Yes — you should definitely throw those berries away. The “white wiggling things” you saw are almost certainly small insects or larvae (maggots) that were inside the berries. Soaking in salt water can make them come to the surface, but it does not make the berries safe to eat.
Why You Shouldn’t Eat Them
- Contamination – The larvae may carry bacteria or pathogens that can cause food poisoning.
- Hidden infestation – Even if some larvae float out, there may still be others inside.
- No safe DIY removal – Washing, soaking, or cooking may not eliminate all risks, especially for soft berries.
What to Do
- Discard the affected berries immediately.
- Check other berries or fruit stored nearby for signs of infestation.
- Rinse and inspect fresh fruit before storing or eating next time.
💡 Prevention Tips
- Store berries in the fridge and keep them dry.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water before eating.
- Inspect fruit for holes, discoloration, or small larvae before eating.
If you want, I can explain a safe way to check and wash berries so you minimize the risk of this happening in the future. Do you want me to do that?