Glass Fruit Craze On TikTok: Why This Trend Is Landing People In The ER!

A viral TikTok trend involving the creation of "glass fruit," also known as Tanghulu, has turned into a dangerous hazard for children, with several ending up in the hospital with severe burns.

Tanghulu is a popular Chinese treat where fruits are dipped in a boiling sugar mixture to create a glossy, crunchy coating, resembling candy. However, attempts to replicate the trend at home have led to accidents, particularly among younger users.

Glass Fruit Craze On TikTok Landing People In Hospital: Here's Why

The trend gained traction after TikTok user Jasmine and Tea posted a tutorial in April, explaining how to make Tanghulu by microwaving sugar and water until it boils. Fruits are then skewered and dipped into the hot sugar syrup. The video cautioned viewers that the mixture becomes "really hot" and should not be touched with bare hands. Unfortunately, many children have suffered burns from the hot, sticky syrup spilling or splashing on them.

Shriners Children's Hospital in Boston has reported an increase in cases of children being treated for severe burns after attempting the TikTok challenge. Dr. Colleen Ryan, a surgeon at Shriners, noted that two young patients had been treated within two weeks after trying the trend. "When sugar is melted in the microwave, it has a high heat capacity, meaning it stores heat energy," Ryan explained. "If spilt, it can cause a much deeper burn than hot soup because of the properties of sugar."

The burns typically occur when children accidentally grab or spill the hot syrup, which clings to the skin, causing serious injury. Dr. Ryan described the injuries as "small but very deep burns," often affecting sensitive areas like the hands or face.

Medical professionals across the U.S. have raised alarms about the dangers of this trend. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, warned that such viral trends can become "contagious" among children and carry real risks. He emphasized that melted sugar can be "extremely dangerous," and parents need to be vigilant.

In light of the incidents, Dr. Ryan urged parents to monitor their children's social media activity and teach them proper cooking safety. "While this may seem like a fun and harmless activity, it poses real dangers," Ryan stated. She advised parents to educate their children on safe kitchen practices and closely supervise them when handling hot substances.

The medical community has also provided advice on what to do in case of sugar-related burns. Doctors recommend avoiding ice on the wound and removing any clothing that may be stuck to the affected area. Second-degree burns, which can cause blistering, may respond to burn creams, but third-degree burns, which result in black, brown, or white leathery skin, require immediate medical attention.

As the popularity of the Tanghulu trend grows, doctors and safety advocates are hoping to prevent further injuries by raising awareness about the risks involved.