Viral recipe raises health concerns

A viral recipe that involves submerging raw garlic cloves in raw honey and letting it ferment at room temperature has sparked worries about possible health risks. The trend, which gained popularity on TikTok this autumn, promotes the mixture as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats, with many users claiming it has helped them.

Scientific concerns about bacterial growth

Recent scientific studies suggest that the combination of garlic and honey under certain conditions might create an environment where Clostridium botulinum—the bacterium that causes botulism—can thrive. Botulism is a rare but serious neurological disease that can be life-threatening.

Expert warnings about fermentation risks

Joy Gail Waite-Cusic, a professor of food safety at Oregon State University, explains that while honey naturally has very little water, garlic contains a lot of moisture. During fermentation, this moisture can transfer to the honey, making it more suitable for bacterial growth. Health Canada’s spokesperson, Karine LeBlanc, confirmed that keeping the mixture at room temperature increases the risk of bacterial development, contrary to what some people believe.

TikTok users include some safety tips

Some TikTok videos suggest precautions, such as fermenting the mixture for three to four weeks, turning the jar daily, avoiding giving it to children under one year old, and consulting a doctor if the person is pregnant or undergoing treatment. However, these steps do not completely eliminate the risk of bacterial growth.

Botulism remains a serious risk

Botulism is uncommon, but it can be fatal in 5 to 10 percent of cases, according to the Pasteur Institute. This trend highlights the need for people to seek advice from reliable sources or health professionals before trying viral home remedies, especially those involving uncontrolled fermentation.