Langsat is a popular fruit in Asia and South-East Asia, prized for their small but sweet flesh when ripe.

Stung while washing the fruit

According to a Facebook post by Beishan Setoh on October 20, her mother was washing a bunch of Langsat under a running tap when she felt a sharp pain on her left index finger.

Setoh's mother was then brought to a clinic but was rushed to the hospital under the advice of the GP, as she was experiencing swelling and immense pain throughout her left arm.

Setoh was shocked that it happened to her mother in Singapore, though she discovered that there were similar cases elsewhere in the world.

Her post highlighted several cases reported that were reported in Hong Kong and China, with one in Thailand happening a week ago.

Setoh has since posted an update via a comment on the post, thanking concerned family and friends for their well-wishes and stating that her mother is currently feeling better.

How to handle Langsat safely

According to Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety's website,  four cases of scorpion stings while handling langsat occurred between January and October 2007.

At least two cases involved the Chinese Striped Bark Scorpion, which is around 4cm long.

Not all scorpion stings are venomous or toxic, but it may present complications in elderly and young children.

One should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they have been stung.

As the langsat fruits are tightly-packed, scorpions may lurk behind the fruits.

Consumers should carefully handle the fruit before consumption. One should hold the stalk of the bunch and shake it vigorously underwater before consumption.

Washing or fumigation of the fruits after harvesting may also help remove the scorpions hiding among the fruits.

Top image adapted via Beishan Setoh's Facebook post and Weird Explorer's Youtube video