Pepsi HIV
Every day you wake up, you will be treated with some funny news running through various sites or even sent directly to your phone in the form of messages. One good example is the claim that went viral warning people that an employee at Pepsi contaminated the beverages with HIV infected blood.
When reached for clarification, Pepsi marketing vice-president refuted the claim explaining that the Frooti Company only produces and supplies fresh juice and that there was no reason to get worried about the unjustified rumor. In fact, the rumor has been around for many years. Back in 2013, Frooti’s mother company, Parie Agro was forced to respond to similar claims when another random individual spread a message warning people not to take the company’s juices.
Any possibility this claim could be valid?
There are several years of scientific research that has been focused on ways through which HIV can be transmitted. From the several clinical studies and research, it has been concluded that HIV cannot be transmitted through foods or drinks even if they are contaminated with infected fluids like blood or semen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that no incident of food contaminated with infected blood or semen has been reported to the same institution. In short, there is no possibility of HIV transmission as a result of eating contaminated foods or drinking contaminated drinks.
Other news researchers, after contacting United Kingdom of Health Media & Campaigns Executive, it was confirmed that indeed the message going around was a hoax and never featured in any top news channel like Sky News. It was also found out that the Metropolitan Police had not issued a statement as it was claimed in the fake message.
After all, HIV cannot be transmitted through consumption of contaminated foods and drinks for three main reasons;
- The virus does not live outside the human body for long periods
- The stomach acids will kill the virus in case you consumed traces of blood or semen from an infected person and contained in the beverages
- The mouth does not provide access for HIV into the bloodstream
For your peace of mind, now you have the facts to discredit the ever disturbing messages sent to you by friends or read online on fake sites and blogs.
References:
http://www.asiaone.com/health/rumours-hiv-infected-drinks-untrue-says-pepsi
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/pepsifrooti-contaminated-with-hiv/
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