Fireproof Oreos? Viral Video Claims They're Toxic!
A viral video on social media has sparked alarm among Oreo lovers. The clip, shared by the user @Space_PatriQt17 on December 19, shows Oreo cookies being subjected to a blowtorch. Despite intense flames for about 30 seconds, the cookies remained intact, raising questions and fears. The video has amassed over 10.2 million views and over 36,000 likes on X.
Public Reactions: Fear and Speculation
The unusual experiment triggered a wave of reactions online. Many users speculated about the cookie’s resilience, questioning if harmful chemicals were involved. Comments ranged from humorous to deeply concerned.
One user joked, “Is milk tougher than fire?”
Another asked, “Would a house made of Oreo cookies hold up in a fire?”
More concerning were comments from people wondering if the cookies contained chemicals that could cause cancer or make them resistant to flames.
Some even expressed fear. One person said, “After seeing this, I’ve decided to stop eating Oreos.”
Scientific Clarification from Grok
In response to the uproar, Grok, an AI platform, provided a scientific explanation. According to Grok, the key reason for Oreos’ resistance to fire lies in their ingredients and structure. Components like cocoa, sugar, soy lecithin, and oils (palm or canola) contribute to the cookie’s density, which slows combustion when exposed to direct heat.
Mondelez Faces Scrutiny
Amid this controversy, Mondelez International, the company behind Oreo, is under legal and ethical scrutiny. A class-action lawsuit has accused the company of misleading consumers by claiming its products are “100% Sustainably Sourced.”
The lawsuit alleges:
- Mondelez uses cocoa grown with child labour and under exploitative conditions.
- Its cocoa supply chain contributes to the destruction of rainforests in West Africa.
Conclusion
While the viral video has raised concerns, experts have pointed out that the cookie’s resistance to fire is not necessarily evidence of harmful chemicals. The company, however, faces significant challenges in addressing allegations about its sustainability practices. Consumers are urged to stay informed and critically evaluate such claims while awaiting further clarifications from Mondelez.
This incident highlights the importance of transparency in the food industry and the power of social media to hold companies accountable.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
