The vaccine by the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia was never rolled out, as the project was abandoned in December 2020.
Writer: PesaCheck
This Facebook post with a video claiming a tiny fragment of HIV was added to a COVID-19 vaccine is MISSING CONTEXT.
The post reads, “A tiny fragment of HIV” added to vaccine.”
The video begins with the narrator saying: “Science gone absolutely mad,” while text overlaid on the 44-second clip reads: “Did she just say they added a tiny fragment of hiv? Wtf! We want answers!!! Yes she said HIV.”
Another Facebook post with a screenshot from the video reads, “So whose had the covid jab bet u didn’t now this , wtf (sic)”.
A reverse image search of a screenshot from the video on Yandex established that the person featured at the end of the clip is Keith Chappell, a professor at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia, during a BBCinterview.
In the clip, Chappel says that the protein used is of “a highly stable structure” and that there is no risk of “HIV replicating”.
A Google keyword search for “covid vaccine with HIV fragment” established that the UQ and global biotech company CSL were developing a vaccine that included a fragment of an HIV protein with the view of adding stability to the intended antibody target; the spike protein of the pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
However, the claim in question leaves out crucial information on the vaccine.
Testing of participants in phase 1 of the trials in July 2020 did not find any evidence of the HIV virus present, and thus participants were not at risk.
Further, the UQ vaccine was abandoned in December 2020 after some trial participants returned false-positive results for HIV. For this reason, the vaccine was not rolled out for use by the general public.
PesaCheck has looked into a Facebook post with a video claiming a tiny fragment of HIV was added to a COVID-19 vaccine and finds it to be MISSING CONTEXT.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ALTERED-This-image-purportedly-of-Bill-Gates-under-armed-watch.png342679211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-24 13:16:212023-10-25 13:20:48MISSING CONTEXT: This video claiming a tiny fragment of HIV was added to a COVID-19 vaccine has been misrepresented
No, it is a hoax. WFP is not giving out any cash transfers, as an impostor website claims.
Writer: Rufina Isaac
WhatsApp messages claiming the World Food Programme (WFP) is giving cash assistance are a hoax.
The link claims to be from the World Food Programme and provides cash assistance through a questionnaire, after which one will get up to $800.00.
Screenshot of the link being circulated on WhatsApp
On clicking the link, a congratulations message appears with a picture of a man who is seen to be handing a woman some papers. This is the beginning of the questionnaire, though, whereby they ask whether you know WFP, your age bracket, gender, and how you feel about WFP.
At this point, a congratulatory message opens with nine boxes where you are meant to choose one lucky boc with the price. After all this, you are meant to share it with five groups or 20 people.
Screenshot of the webpage for the link solicited on WhatsApp
Claim Verification:
With all suspicion, 211 Check investigated the link, scanning the URL using online Virus Total. This free online tool helps you determine the safety of links to online viruses and other scams. Six security vendors flagged the URL as malicious,phishing, and suspicious.
Screenshot of the virus total of the claimed URL.
Another scan was run through Whois.com, a publicly available database containing domain name registration information. A search for both websites returns two different results, as seen here and here, the second being the genuine website for the World Food Programme.
Whois Information for the fake domain claiming to be WFPThe original WFP domain is wfp.org, which was registered in 1994. The original website of WFP Cash Transfers
Conclusion:
211 Check finds a WhatsApp message with a link claiming to be for the World Food Programme providing cash assistance through a questionnaire, a hoax.
Findings show that the link is embedded with phishing, malicious, and suspicious malware intended to steal people’s information for fraud. Be cautious of such websites and only apply for vacancies through the official website for organisations, in this case, wfp.org for the World Food Programme website.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/WFP-Impostor-Website.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-23 11:37:202023-10-23 11:37:27Fact-check: Is the World Food Programme giving out $800,000 to organisations?
No, the image was taken from Miami Beach, Florida, US
Writer: Jibi Moses
A Facebook post with a picture published on Facebook by Juba Eye claiming to have been taken in Bor, Jonglei State, is false.
The picture, which was posted on November 21, 2023, had the caption “Good morning from Kuch’ngo Bor, Jonglei State”.
The post garnered 366 reactions and over 80 comments in less than three hours. Although the picture alone is questionable, some comments raised suspicion, such as one that read: “I cannot wait to be in Miami, Bor.”
This prompted 211 Check to investigate and find the exact location where the picture was taken.
A screenshot of the picture is shown in the post by Juba Eye.
Claim Verification:
211 Check ran a Google Reverse Image Search, and the results showed the image is of Miami Beach in Florida, USA.
Similarly, Yandex’s results also show that the image is of Miami Beach.
A screenshot of the same image, as posted by one of the users on Yandex
In one instance, Depositphotos posted the picture alongside other similar pictures with the caption: Aerial view of Miami Beach and Ocean Drive on a beautiful spring day. — Photo
Some other instances where the image was used, all confirming it was from Miami Beach, US, can be seenhere, here, and here.
Miami Beach, Florida, USA:
According to Latlong.net, the coastal city of Miami Beach is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, United States. It is a very popular tourist destination courtesy of its wide beaches, hotels, clubs, bars, and pastel-coloured buildings.
Conclusion:
211 Check has found that a Facebook post with the image of a beach shared on Facebook, claiming to be Bor, Jonglei State, is false. The image is of Miami Beach, Florida, US.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction usingthis form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visithttps://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-image-was-taken-from-Miami-Beach-Florida-US.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-13 16:08:002023-11-21 16:11:22Fact-check: Does this picture show part of Bor in Jonglei State?
The website is not legitimate since it’s not the official U.S. Department of State link.
Writer: Makur Majeng
A WhatsApp message claims that the American government plans to issue over 55,000 visas plus permanent resident cards, and applications are currently open for students, workers, and families with no age limit.
When analysing the provided link and the information on the website, 211 Check discovered that the claim is a hoax.
A Google keyword search using “America Visa Lottery application form 2023/2024” yielded no credible results or official announcements related to such a lottery.
The 211 Check verification process involved examining the website mentioned in the WhatsApp message.
According to the investigation conducted by 211 Check, the website claims to offer benefits like no application fee, instant work permits, free accommodation, monthly allowances, and work and study permits.
However, these promises are often indicators of fraudulent schemes.
Screenshot of the information on the site’s webpage
The website requires individuals to enter personal information such as their name, country, gender, and password. This is a potential red flag, as scammers often exploit personal information for identity theft or other malicious purposes.
Furthermore, after providing personal details, the website requests that users validate their names and proceed to the next step. It then prompts them to choose a visa type.
However, the website does not provide concrete information about the visa process, eligibility requirements, or official U.S. Department of State website links.
The website asks participants to share the promotion with multiple groups or friends on WhatsApp, signalling a typical tactic employed by scams to broaden their reach.
The URL provided in the WhatsApp message is flagged as phishing, malicious, and malware by VirusTotal, an online tool that assesses suspicious websites.
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes immigrant visas available to citizens of countries with low immigration rates.
The United States Department Web site says, “The 2025 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2025) is now open. The entry submission period for DV-2025 is from noon EDT (GMT -4) on October 4, 2023, to noon EST (GMT -5) on November 7, 2023. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period.”
The imposter website domain was registered on 29 August 2023, meaning it is less than a year old.
Conclusion:
The claim of the America Visa Lottery 2023/2024 application form being open, as shared through a WhatsApp message, is a hoax.
The provided website exhibits several red flags, including promises of instant benefits, soliciting personal information, and a need for official credentials or links. The URL itself is flagged as potentially malicious and phishing.
A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any. It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/USLotteryHoax.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-13 08:40:302023-10-20 08:43:24Fact-check: This America Visa Lottery 2023/24 Application website is a hoax
In a press release, the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) leadership has refuted claims that its Finance Director, Mobutu Isaac, has resigned.
Writer: Kei Emmanuel Duku
A Facebook post widely shared on various social media platforms claiming Mobutu Isaac, SSFA Finance Director, has resigned is false, according to the South Sudan Football Governing Body, SSFA.
Screenshot of the Facebook post as posted by SSD Sport’s On Time
Posted on September 27, 2023, it claimed that Mobuto Isaac had resigned, citing reasons of financial mismanagement by the current leadership of the South Sudan Football Association.
The claim was posted in Arabic, but with the help of Google Translate, “The mismanaged money amounted to USD 500,000. The African Football Governing CAF sent the money and another $1,600,000 from FIFA.”
The claim further stated that Mobutu Isaac was one of many staff members said to have resigned from the association in addition to Konga- Konga, the receptionist, John Lodu- the board member, and another unnamed staff member holding the docket of photographer within SSFA are said to have resigned at the start of the year, because of nonpayment of their salary arrears for the last two years.
Screenshot of the Google Translate text
It’s worth noting that SSFA receives funding from FIFA, CAF, and the government and funds from other cooperating institutions that support the various national teams.
Claim Verification:
In a letter dated September 28, 2023, written by Victor Lawrence Lual, the association’s General Secretary denied the claim about any mismanagement of cash from FIFA, CAF, and other organisations, saying the claims were fake.
“We would like to thank FIFA, CAF, the Government of South Sudan, and other well-wishers for their generous and continuous support of SSFA. The amount mentioned in the article published and circulated on social media is incorrect,” reads part of the statement in part.
211 Check also contacted SSFA’s finance director, who said he is on leave and has not resigned.
SSFA acknowledged receiving money from the Government of South Sudan amounting to 400,000,000 SSP, as indicated in the claim; however, it denied saying the money was meant for the U-20 National Team in their recent triumph in the U-20 competition held in Sudan and Egypt.
But is SSFA Receiving funds from FIFA and CAF?
Despite SSFA not revealing how much they are getting from CAF and FIFA, 211 Check conducted desktop research to determine how much every Member Association affiliated with FIFA and CAF receives. Our finding indicates that the Federation of Uganda Football Association, a South Sudan neighbour in 2020, received $500,000 as an annual grant from FIFA, which was paid to 210 of all Member Associations (MA) registered with FIFA, including SSFA, as a way of recovering funds from COVID-19 as reported by Eye Radio.
Apart from the COVID-19 grants, every member association receives money from FIFA.
Other grants from CAF to all the MA are sent quarterly $500,000 from FIFA, amounting to $1 million. This money is intended to fund activities of the respective associations, including the payment of salaries to staff, and another part of it goes to the local football governing association in every country, as explained by FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein.
However, the letter issued by SSFA stated that much of the money received from FIFA and CAF was used for funding national teams. Yet, national teams are solely the responsibility of the government through the Ministry of Sports as it hires and pays for the national team coach—a company paid for the current South Sudan National Team head coach position. Again, SSFA claimed in their press release that they spend some money on infrastructure, yet the ongoing construction work at Juba Stadium is solely funded by FIFA.
Therefore, it remains to be seen what infrastructural development the association is currently undertaking, as claimed in the press release issued by the office.
It is not only FIFA that sends money to its MA, but also CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, who, while on his tour to Uganda, reaffirmed his commitment to increasing funding for member associations. This is to help with administrative costs.
History of mismanagement of FIFA and CAF funds within the SSFA
In 2016, through its adjudicatory chamber of the independent ethics committee, FIFA found Mr Chabour Goc Alei, former president of the SSFA, guilty of having misappropriated FIFA funds, which led to his suspension from related football activities.
Suppose this claim posted on SSD Sport’s timeline is to attract investigation by FIFA and other audit firms. In that case, it is because of the similarity it shares with the previous claims of 2016 because, before investigations by FIFA in 2016, Tobby William Okot, former Secretary General of SSFA, and his deputy resigned following allegations of mismanagement of funds from FIFA.
Secondly, the claims also have something in common regarding the amount of money said to have been mismanaged in 2016, which is the exact figure of $500,000 from FIFA.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim that the South Sudan Football Association’s Finance Director has resigned false. A press release from the football governing body dismissed the claim.
A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/No-SSFA-Finance-Director.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-12 09:33:362023-10-20 09:35:53Fact-check: The South Sudan Football Association Director of Finance hasn’t resigned
The viral WhatsApp message containing an application for UN AID Funds to South Sudanese is a scam.
Writer: Abraham Athian
A WhatsApp message being forwarded to several users and groups with a title that reads, “UN AID FUNDS FOR SOUTH SUDAN” is a hoax.
“The online application for UN AID FUNDS is now available, and the government is urging all the citizens to apply now to receive this aid funds. Payment of funds has just started,” the claim reads in part.
“Application is free for all applicants and is open to all citizens, whether rich or poor,” the message adds.
Screenshot of the WhatsApp message doing rounds
A link is provided in the WhatsApp message for unsuspecting users to click on. The provided link refers you to a web page where you will see the South Sudan Coat of Arms and the United Nations logo with South Sudan maps in the background.
Besides, you will also see the alleged number of applicants who are said to have received the claimed aid highlighted in green colour. There are about 9,634 beneficiaries.
Screenshot of the web claim
In addition, some static comments with unclickable profiles are fake and misleading.
A screenshot of the fake comments on the web page
While proceeding, a user is asked for their name and whether the user is a South Sudanese. After submission, the user will see the congratulatory message and eligibility to receive the aid after submitting the details.
With their tricky plans, conditional steps are given to receive the alleged funds. That is by sharing it with five groups and 15 friends on WhatsApp. “This is what made it go viral.”
A screenshot of the tricky claim
Claim Verification
A Google Word Search for “UN aid funds for South Sudan” yields no results.
WEB Paranoid Results show that the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) link is a scam and a low-trusted website that is suspicious and unsafe for users.
WEB PARANOID RESULTS (Analysis, Review, and Complaints):
Web Analysis Web Review Web Technical Analysis A screenshot of Web Paranoid results
A further search by Virus Total detected Bitdefender, Fortinet and G-Data as Malware. Avira, Kaspersky and CyRadar Phishing and Malicious, respectively.
In comparison, the Whois search shows that the given Link is not the legitimate United Nations URL.
GoDaddy, LLC registered and updated the fake domain on September 22, 2023, in Arizona State, United States. It will expire on September 22, 2024. In most cases, newly registered websites are not trustworthy.
A screenshot of the fake domain Whois Information
On the other hand, Network Solutions, LLC registered the legitimate United Nations domain on January 31, 1995, in New York State, US. It was updated on January 15, 2018, and will expire on February 1, 2024.
A screenshot of the official UN domain Whois Information
211 Check finds the claim that the United Nations is running Aid funds for South Sudanese, a hoax devised as a phishing scam to deceive unsuspecting internet users into providing their details.
A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/UNAID-Funds-Hoax.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-11 11:39:572023-10-20 11:52:06Fact-check: WhatsApp message advertising UN AID funds for South Sudan is a hoax
No, there are no reports from WHO about a new HIV variant discovered in Africa.
Writer: Abraham Athian
A picture in a Post shared by Tikambeko News claims, “A new HIV variant has been discovered in Africa, and if you have any of these symptoms, you may be having it,” but this is false.
It is a form of health misinformation that scares the public on social media and those who have acne on their faces. The attached picture in the post is of a person with acne, not a new HIV variant, as claimed by the imposter. The picture has been online since 2014.
A screenshot of the Facebook post
The post attracted 160 likes, 83 comments, and 23 shares. Many media outlets also posted it, as you can see here, here, here, here, and here.
Claim Verification:
A Google search engine shows that the picture first appeared online on June 12, 2014. It was shared by WordPress that Forever Living products (Aloe Vera Gelly and Aloe Propolis Creme) are used to treat acne.
A screenshot of a WordPress post
The other sources where you can find the origin of the picture are here, here, here, here, and here.
Further search for the source of this picture and the claim lands us on the previous fact-check made by Edmo Belux, a fact-checking agency in Belgium and Luxembourg. This verified the false claim made by Julius Malema Speak in South Africa about the new HIV variant. It concluded it was false by providing some evidence attached below.
A screenshot of the factual report about the new HIV variant
A screenshot of the refuted claim
A screenshot of the verified information
You can also read the full Edmo’s fact-check article written by Tendai Dube here.
The Latest Research on HIV and other infectious diseases continued to be presented at the 2023 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr Dieffenbach, the Director of the Division of AIDS at NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, highlighted three NIH-supported studies that focused on the effectiveness of long-acting HIV prevention in specific populations and a demonstration of how long-acting HIV treatment can be used to reach people with multiple challenges to treatment adherence. First, he discussed a study presented by Dr. Hyman Scott of the San Francisco Department of Public Health that demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among black men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men, concluding that CAB-LA can be a powerful HIV prevention tool to reduce HIV incidence among these groups that are disproportionately affected by HIV.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the opening on the skin’s surface becomes clogged. Acne causes inflamed growths, which may have whiteheads or blackheads. Causes of acne can include hormonal imbalance, oversecretion of oil glands in the skin, and dirt/impurities clogging the skin pores.
Treatment:
The use of Aloe Vera Gelly and Aloe Propolis Creme can minimise the implications. This skin treatment formula has been used and validated over and over satisfactorily, with over 90% of use resulting in total transformation of troubled areas. It works on all types of acne: Blackheads, Whiteheads, Cysts, Acne Vulgaris, Conglobata, and rosacea.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim that there is a new HIV/AIDS variant to be false. It is health misinformation and disinformation. The picture allegedly of a person infected with the new variant was first used in an advertisement for acne-treating medicines in 2014.
A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visithttps://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/No-reports-from-WHO-about-a-new-HIV-variant-discovered-in-Africa.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-10 13:17:372023-10-20 13:20:29Fact-check: Has a new HIV/AIDS variant that causes facial rashes been discovered in Africa?
The photo used in a story titled “Senior NCP member joins SPLM”, published on September 4, 2023, was meant to depict Anthony Feremato, a former chairperson of the National Congress Party in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) who is said to have switched to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement as reported by The City Review, The Radio Community, and the Number One Citizen Daily Newspaper.
A screenshot of the featured image as it appears on the Number One Citizen Newspaper website
Screenshot of the featured image as used by Radio Tamazuj on 9 August 2018
A keyword search using “fermo peter isara, torit county commissioner” also returned the same and similar images confirming the Google reverse image search findings.
Similar images of Fermo Peter Isara
The Radio Community, an independent network of community radio stations in South Sudan, published the same story titled, “Anthony Feremato joins SPLM,” with his actual photo.
A screenshot showing Anthony Feremato’s photo as published by The Radio Community
Similar pictures of Anthony Feremato were shared with 211 Check via messenger by Sisto Ohide who works at the Torit SPLM secretariat as the reporter for the state-run Radio 97.5 FM.
Photos of Anthony Feremato, former National Congress Party chairperson in EES
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the featured image of a news story allegedly of Anthony Feremato, former National Congress Party chairperson in Eastern Equatoria State, false. The featured image used by the Number One Citizen Daily Newspaper is of Fermo Peter Isara, former Torit County Commissioner.
A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visithttps://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Anthony-Feremato-False.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-10-09 15:34:012023-10-20 15:42:59Fact-check: This photo is not of NCP defector Anthony Feremato
No, there is no sufficient evidence that eating food from plastic containers exposed to heat can cause cancer.
Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino
An image circulating on WhatsApp claims that, according to the American Doctors Association, consuming food from plastic materials exposed to heat can cause cancer.
The message states that you should not take tea in plastic cups, eat anything hot in a plastic bag, or heat foodstuff in a microwave using plastic materials. It cautions
that ‘when plastic gets into contact with heat, it produces chemicals which may cause 52 types of cancer.’
The message ends with a call to action: “Therefore, this SMS is better than 100 useless SMS. Inform your loved ones to be free from such effects. Share with everyone.”
Screenshot from the WhatsApp image
The same claim was also shared on a website called America’s Best Pictures and Videos, which adds that plastic materials can cause cancer cells to grow in the body.
Screenshot from the website.
Verification of the American Doctors Association page and website
According to Cancer Research UK, an independent cancer organisation in the United Kingdom, drinking hot tea in plastic cups cannot cause cancer. Additionally, using plastic does not increase the risk of cancer, and it is safe to drink from plastic bottles, use plastic containers, cling film, and store food in plastic bags.
Cancer Research UK also added that even when plastics are heated for hours, studies have shown that the food inside remains safe.
Other studies, here and here, indicate that drinking hot tea can increase cancer risk. However, the studies do not mention the increased risk of consuming tea from plastic cups.
Plastic materials are everywhere in our homes, such as plates, baby feeding bottles, cutlery, food containers, fibreglass, water coolers, etc.
According to Doctor Ashwini Kumar Setya, a senior consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Gastroenterology Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Science, Gurugram- India, when hot food is kept in plastic material, it can produce a chemical which is not scientifically proven to cause cancer.
“…And some of these chemicals, like Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, might do strange things to your body, mimicking and disrupting hormones in ways that even scientists haven’t fully understood,” Dr Ashwini K. Setya said
In an interview with 211 Check, Dr. Catherine Naliaka Nyongesa, a physician radiation oncologist and CEO of Texas Cancer Centre, Nairobi, explained that no substantial literature supports the claim.
She disclosed that: “I think more research is needed to provide evidence to support such claims.’’
According to the FDA, there are plastics labelled for microwave use only that are safe to use. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has also advised that people can use glass, ceramic, plastic containers and plastic wrap labelled for microwave use.
Further instructions include:
Always follow the label’s instructions when using microwave-safe containers to heat food.
Never heat or store food in plastic containers not intended for food. Single-use containers, like margarine tubs, tend to warp or melt in the microwave. This may allow more of the substances in the plastic to leach into the food.
Let food cool before adding it to a plastic container, then put it in the fridge immediately. Avoid plastics that are visibly damaged, stained, or have a bad smell.
Conclusion:
According to investigations by 211 Check, scientific evidence suggests that certain chemicals can be leached into food from plastic materials. However, the amounts and potential health risks of these chemicals remain unconfirmed.
Hence, it is vital to choose plastic bags or materials specifically designed for food and labelled as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visithttps://211check.org/or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cancer-Cancer.-Unproven.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-09-26 13:28:182023-09-29 13:32:14Fact-check: Does eating food heated in plastic containers cause cancer?
No, this is one of the statues of the Symbol of Justice found in Nigeria.
Writer: Nancy Ceasar
A Facebook post byInsight Juba with an image supposedly of South Sudan’s Symbol of Justice is false. The image of a statue supported by a stick was shared with the caption, “South Sudan’s statue[ symbol] of justice is tired already.”
The post had attracted 182 likes, eight comments, and three shares at publication.
A screenshot of the post as published by Insight Juba.
Claim Verification:
211 Check carried out a reverse image search using Google Lens and found instances where the image had been shared in the past.
In one instance, the image had been posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 30, 2017. The post reads, “Lmaoooooooooooooo even the symbol of justice in Nigeria is tired(sic).”
Screenshot of the X post.
Other sources that published the image are listed here and here.
However, according to various Nigerian sites, the statue was restored as reported here, here, here, here and here.
A further reverse search of the restored statue brings up a clearer image published by the Daily Post in February 2021.
What is the Statue/Symbol of Justice?
According to LawPadi, the Nigerian Symbol of Justice is a statue of a blindfolded lady holding a sword on one hand and a scale on the other. The blindfold symbolises that justice should be impartial and, therefore, enforces neutrality.
Heather & Little Ltd, in their article, explain in detail the meanings behind the ‘Lady of Justice’ Statue:
“Artwork depicting the Lady of Justice statue, whether in paintings, sculptures, coats of arms, or metal statues, is found worldwide. In North or South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Southern and Eastern Asia, or Australasia, you will likely see the Lady of Justice statue in courthouses, law offices, and legal and educational institutions. The history of the Lady Justice statue goes back many thousands of years, and she typically carries symbols of justice.”
Notably, in Nigeria, this symbol of justice is in different forms, although all the features remain the same and carry the same meaning throughout all the country’s courtrooms.
On the other hand, South Sudan does not have a statue representing the symbol of Justice and instead uses The National Coat of Arms, which was officially adopted in 2011. It features an African fish eagle with open wings, bearing a gold shield and a crossed spear and spade placed behind the shield. The eagle is seen facing its right side and symbolises strength, resilience, and vision, while the shield and spear represent the protection of the new sovereign state and the people’s hard work to feed it.
South Sudan’s Coat of Arm
Conclusion:
211 Check found a Facebook post by Insight Juba with an image supposedly of South Sudan’s Symbol of Justice as false. The image shows a statue of Nigeria’s Symbol of Justice, which has since been rectified.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visithttps://211check.org/or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SymbolofJustice.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-09-25 13:02:462023-09-29 13:35:21Fact-check: Is this South Sudan’s Symbol of Justice?
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