By Fatima Saka
A viral WhatsApp message claims that drinking a cold drink immediately after eating mangoes can cause death due to a chemical reaction between citric acid and carbonic acid. This claim is false and has no scientific basis.
The Viral Message Reads:
“Do not drink a cold drink after eating mango! Some travellers who went sightseeing in Chandigarh drank a cold drink after eating mangoes. They began feeling restless and fainted. All were admitted to the hospital and declared brought dead. The doctor warned that mixing citric acid from mangoes and carbonic acid from cold drinks produces poison in the body. Please forward this message to all your loved ones. Mango season has started.”
@Copied
Fact Check:
There are no credible news reports or verified medical records confirming any such incident in Chandigarh or anywhere else.
Scientific Perspective:
Mangoes contain natural sugars, fiber, and a small amount of citric acid. Cold drinks typically contain carbonated water (carbonic acid), sugar, and flavoring agents. While consuming both together may not be ideal for digestion or blood sugar control due to the high sugar content, they do not react chemically to form poison.
Expert Opinion:
Doctors and food safety authorities have consistently debunked similar viral health myths. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that combining mangoes with soft drinks is harmful, let alone fatal.
Conclusion:
The message is false, misleading, and unscientific. It is one of many food-related myths that circulate on social media. For accurate information on food safety and health, always consult reputable medical sources or authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
