Coconut water is a common drink at holiday destinations. The sanctity of the water makes it one of the most nutritious natural drinks available. But, in a shocking case a man died hours after drinking coconut water which he forgot to refrigerate properly.
A Denmark native had succumbed to consuming coconut water, which tasted foul and was rotten from inside, as per a 2021 report.
He developed symptoms within hours
Just within hours of drinking the coconut water, the 69 year old began having bouts of sweating, nausea and vomiting. He was confused, was unable to balance and had pale skin. “MRI scans taken in hospital showed he had severe brain swelling, but medics remained baffled by what had caused the reaction. Despite being treated in intensive care for metabolic encephalopathy – when problems with metabolism cause brain dysfunction – he was declared brain dead 26 hours after arriving at hospital and his life support was switched off,” the media reported.
“Approximately 4.5 hours before admission, the patient had consumed coconut water directly from a coconut using a straw. Because the water had a foul taste, he swallowed only a small amount. Afterward, he opened the nut and described to his wife that the interior was slimy and looked rotten,” according to the case report in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
“The coconut was preshaved, with visible endosperm (coconut meat) at the top for easy access to the carpels (holes) and the coconut water. A straw was included and used for puncturing the coconut at the time of consumption. Recommended storage was at 4°C–5°C in the refrigerator, but the coconut had been kept on the kitchen table for 1 month after purchase,” the report added.
Why you must store coconuts properly
“For opened coconuts (ie the white flesh is exposed/ partially peeled) they should be stored in the fridge. Shelf life is much shorter. For whole unopened coconuts they can be kept at room temperature and can last a few months,” explains Dr Samuel Choudhury, based in Singapore.
To store pre-shaved coconut properly, place it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and refrigerate it immediately. It stays fresh for up to 3–5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the coconut in portions, using freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove excess moisture with a paper towel before storing to prevent spoilage. Label with the date before freezing; it can last up to 6 months. When needed, thaw in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for long, as coconut is highly perishable and prone to bacterial growth when exposed to warmth.
Safe food handling is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses, ensure nutritional integrity, and maintain overall public health. Contaminated food can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins that lead to serious infections such as food poisoning, diarrhea, and even long-term health complications.
For infants, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, consuming safely handled food is even more critical, as their bodies are more vulnerable to infections. Safe food handling practices also extend to food storage, ensuring that perishables are consumed before spoilage.
Proper cooking temperatures help eliminate harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, while refrigeration at appropriate temperatures prevents bacterial growth. Cross-contamination, a leading cause of foodborne illness, can be avoided by keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
Food safety isn’t just about personal well-being—it’s a public health responsibility that ensures everyone has access to clean, nutritious, and uncontaminated food.