Viral Video: Can a Snake Bite Really Turn Tomatoes Poisonous?

A video of a snake biting into a tomato has been making waves online, alarming viewers with captions claiming the tomato becomes dangerous due to venom. But what’s the real story here?

In the viral clip, the snake appears to bite into a tomato. However, many are overlooking a critical detail—the snake is trapped under a stick and likely biting the tomato out of desperation to free itself, not because it’s trying to eat it. But does this mean the tomato is harmful to humans?

Can Snake Venom Make Vegetables Poisonous?

First, let’s address the big question: Can a snake's venom turn a tomato toxic? Not quite. While it’s true that venom can be harmful when injected directly into the bloodstream through a bite, ingesting venom is typically not dangerous unless you have an open wound or ulcer in your mouth or digestive tract.

Instagram user Deepak Kiran pointed out that: Drinking snake venom is generally safe if there are no cuts or sores in your mouth, throat, or digestive tract, as venom is usually harmless when ingested. This is because venom primarily affects the bloodstream or nervous system when injected directly into the body via a bite. The digestive system, in contrast, breaks down venom proteins much like it does other proteins.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s entirely risk-free. If venom comes into contact with an open wound in the digestive tract or if someone has ulcers, it could potentially enter the bloodstream and cause harm. Additionally, certain potent venoms can still cause irritation or other complications.

Venom and poison are often confused. Venom must be injected to be harmful (through bites or stings), while poison is harmful when ingested, inhaled, or touched.

Snakes are entirely carnivorous animals and do not eat vegetables and fruits. Instead, their diet is primarily meat, such as small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, and other reptiles. Depending on the species, some snakes would even eat fish, frogs, or even other snakes. The whole mechanism of their digestive system is for digesting animal-based proteins and fats, and so they are unfit to have plant matter.

Snakes hunt in different ways, some by constriction, while others use venom, and they swallow their prey whole due to their elastic jaws. Since they require animals to provide their nutrients, snakes do not have digestive enzymes that aid them in digesting plant products, such as fruits and vegetables. Even though they are considered household pets, snakes can only be fed diets that reflect their instincts, such as feeding mice or insects depending on the species. Being predators, snakes do not have a need or potential to consume any type of plant food.

Clean vegetables and fruits properly before eatingTo clean vegetables and fruits before eating, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. For firm produce like apples or potatoes, use a brush to scrub the surface. Soak leafy greens in a bowl of cold water, gently swishing to dislodge debris. For produce like berries, rinse them under a gentle stream of water and pat dry. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar or salt to the water for an extra layer of cleansing, though it’s not always necessary. Avoid using soap or harsh chemicals, as they may leave harmful residues.