SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST OUTRAGEOUS CLAIMS
It’s amazing what we can be persuaded to believe. From April Fool’s jokes to scandalous frauds, these are some of the most astonishing food and drink hoaxes of all time.
TACO BELL BUYS THE LIBERTY BELL
The Liberty Bell is one of the greatest symbols of American independence. So when Taco Bell announced in several newspapers on April Fool’s Day 1996 that it had bought the historic treasure and planned to rename it the ‘Taco Liberty Bell’, it generated a huge response – much of it scathing. Taco Bell eventually revealed the truth and promised to donate $50,000 to the bell’s upkeep. Covered by 650 print and 400 broadcast outlets, it’s estimated the hoax earned the company $25 million-worth of free publicity.
ONION IPOD CHARGER
21-year-old British student Owen Louis hit the headlines in 2008 after claiming he’d charged his iPod by plugging it into an onion soaked in Lucozade. Several news outlets believed him and hailed it as a breakthrough in eco-friendly energy. Although some scientists agree the basic principles could work, Louis later admitted he’d made up the claims.
THE FAKE WINE AWARD
In 2008, American restaurant critic Robin Goldstein set out to prove how easy it was to obtain a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, supposedly only awarded to venues with an exceptional wine list. After submitting the details for Osteria L’Intrepido in Milan and paying the $250 application fee, the restaurant was duly awarded the accolade. Goldstein later revealed he’d made the restaurant up to expose how easily the organization could be deceived.
PINANAS: THE EXOTIC NEW FRUIT
British supermarket Waitrose announced the arrival of an exotic new fruit on April Fool’s Day 2009 – the 'pinana', a pineapple and banana hybrid. Their newspaper advert read: "Fresh in today and exclusive to Waitrose. If you find that all Waitrose pinanas have sold out, don't worry, there's 50% off our essential Waitrose strawberries."
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