Since July 1, rumors have swelled on social networks: in the middle of Ramadan, the dates would be contaminated by a mysterious virus, the “colonate”.
The information is spreading like wildfire on social networks: “The Ministry of Health and the doctors want to inform all Muslims that it is necessary to wash dates before consuming them because a disease called “colonat” is currently affecting palm trees. Send this message to all our brothers and sisters”, can we read on many Facebook profiles. Worse: on July 3, the word “colonat” was one of the most frequent queries on Google… So, should we fear a new disease?
The imaginary disease
The answer is no: the colonat virus does not exist. The information comes directly from the Ministry of Health: this is an unfounded rumor, launched by some malicious individual. The dates are not contaminated. Moreover, if you look in a dictionary, you realize that the word “colonat” refers to the time of the ancient colonies: nothing to do with any rare disease!
Good news for all French people who are currently observing the young. Because dates are particularly good for our health: rich in fibre, carbohydrates and antioxidants, they facilitate intestinal transit, would reduce the risk of cardiovascular illnesses and could even protect us against certain cancers. In addition, after a whole day without eating, they calm our hunger and boost our energy…
And you, have you heard of this rumor? What did you think of it? Do you eat dates regularly? We talk on the forum.
