Are you a banana lover? Then listen up so you do not fall victim to the newest infestation to hit the United States. Thousands of people across the country have reported finding large spiders in their banana bags, spider cocoons outside of their bananas and live spiders crawling inside their bananas. One consumer even was able to catch on film a spider inside his banana, that broke free and crawled out.
“Gone are the days that people can eat bananas and feel safe,” said Rick Garner, US Department of Health and Human Services. “We typically see the worst cases with organic bananas. However, right now we are seeing them in all types of bananas. The only way to ensure you are eating a banana free of spiders, is to peel it and cut it up in half inch pieces. Otherwise, you’re really taking a chance.”
Garner says India, who is the largest supplier of bananas for the United States, has seen a dramatic increase in spider infestations across their country, particularly in the banana fields. Indian authorities have not yet found a solution to the spider epidemic. Until they do, and as long as the United States continues to receive shipments from these distributors, extra caution should be taken.