Fact Check: Viral Video Claiming Chemical Ripening of Fruits Is AI-Generated
Artificial ripening is a controlled process used to induce fruits to ripen faster. It often relies on the use of
Artificial ripening is a controlled process used to induce fruits to ripen faster. It often relies on the use of ethylene gas, which is considered safe when used properly. This method helps improve the fruit’s appearance, facilitates transportation, and meets consumer demand. However, unethical traders sometimes use calcium carbide, a banned substance that contains arsenic and phosphorus, posing serious health risks such as neurological damage. To identify artificially ripened fruits, look for uniform colour and gloss, an unpleasant chemical odour, and consider buying local, seasonal produce from trusted vendors.
Meanwhile, a video has gone viral claiming to show factory workers in protective suits spraying harmful chemicals on unripe bananas and tomatoes to make them appear ripe. As the person sprays the chemical, the bananas turn yellow instantly and the tomatoes turn red.
We also found a longer version of this video circulating with the same claim. In this version, people in similar protective attire are seen spraying chemicals on apples, grapes, and other fruits.
Here is the screenshot of the viral claim.
Fact Check:
The claim is False. The video is AI-generated.
When we extracted keyframes from the viral video and performed a Google reverse image search, we found several social media handles sharing the longer version of the same video. On the top-left corner of these videos, a Chinese watermark “AI生成” appears in some frames.
The Chinese text “AI生成” translates to “AI-generated.” This confirms that the viral video is a computer-generated creation, not footage of an actual factory. Moreover, in some frames, while the person sprays chemicals on tomatoes, a few fruits turn red while others remain green — an unnatural and inconsistent visual effect that further suggests the video is synthetic.
Here is the screenshot from the video, which shows the watermark clearly.
We also checked keyframes from the viral video using AI detection tools such as Hive Moderation and Was It AI. The results confirmed that the viral video is indeed AI-generated.
Here are the screenshots of the results.
Therefore, the viral video in circulation does not show real factory workers spraying harmful chemicals on unripe fruits and vegetables. The claim is false. The video appears to have been created using AI tools and is being shared to mislead viewers or create unnecessary suspicion about the fruits sold in the market. While it is true that some vendors use banned artificial ripeners like calcium carbide, this particular viral video is not real.