A video circulating on social media platforms shows a man dipping grapes in a milk-like solution, accompanied by a claim alleging that it depicts farmers spraying pesticides on grape yields, purportedly causing infections and various diseases (here, here & here). In this article, we fact-check this claim.
Claim: Video depicting grape bunches treated with pesticides.
Fact: We were unable to independently verify if the substance used for dipping the grapes is pesticide or another chemical. Nevertheless, based on available information, the process of making raisins typically involves a similar procedure of dipping grapes into a solution of dipping oil, commonly containing ethyl oleate and potassium carbonate, to remove water from the grapes. It is probable that the viral video depicts the raisin-making process. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
The video displays a man dipping grapes into a solution. However, we could not independently confirm whether the substance is a pesticide or another chemical, and the reason behind the grape immersion remains unverified.
However, using a reverse image search on screenshots from the viral video, we discovered an Instagram post containing identical visuals. This post asserts that the white-coloured liquid is not a pesticide; but is used treat grapes to transform them into raisins.
Taking a cue from the above video, a YouTube search using relevant keywords yielded multiple videos explaining the process of making raisins (here, here & here). These videos also featured visuals demonstrating the treatment of grape bunches with a similar milk-like solution, as shown in the viral video. According to these videos, as part of the raisin-making process after harvesting the grape yield, they are washed with water and then dipped in a solution of ethyl oleate and potassium carbonate before being left to dry.
Further, research papers and journals also corroborated the process of dipping grapes in dipping oil as part of the raisin-making process (here, here, here & here). According to these sources, this practice is commonplace, and typically, a combination of ethyl oleate (1.5%) and potassium carbonate (2.5%) is employed for this purpose. This aids in draining the grapes quickly.
This suggests that the viral video could most likely be showing the raisin-making process, wherein grapes are treated in dipping oil, before drying them. However, as mentioned above we could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Further, it is important to note that consuming grapes treated with pesticides may pose health risks (here & here).
To sum up, the process of making raisins typically involves a similar procedure of dipping grapes into a solution of dipping oil.
