Only Kashmir News Desk
Amid a social media frenzy surrounding the safety of watermelon consumption, the Food Safety Department has stepped in to put concerns to rest. Contrary to alarmist posts circulating online, recent initial tests conducted by the department have affirmed that watermelons present in Srinagar markets were found safe for consumption.
The uproar began when a series of misleading posts on various social media platforms alleged that watermelons were contaminated with harmful substances, sparking widespread panic among consumers.
“This is no watermelon season, Say NO to artificially ripened watermelon this Ramadan. Save yourself from chemicals and later on chemotherapy,” posted, a clinical Oncologist on X/twitter.
With such tweets fear spread like wildfire, and many individuals hesitated to purchase or consume the beloved summer fruit consumed in the holy month of Ramadan.
However, the Food Safety Department swiftly intervened to address the growing apprehension. Rigorous testing procedures were implemented to assess the safety of watermelons available in the market. After comprehensive analysis and examination, the department concluded that there was no evidence to support the claims made on social media.
Assistant Commissioner Yamin-un-Nabi who oversees the Food Safety Department’s inspection of restaurants and shops, including food samples while talking with Onlykashmir[dot]in stated “Our initial findings from several places in Srinagar indicate that watermelons meet all safety standards and pose no threat to consumers. The public must rely on verified information from credible sources rather than succumb to unfounded rumours circulating on social media,” he was quick to add for safer side a sample has been sent for deeper research.
When asked about social media reports of “artificially ripened watermelon”, the senior officer of the Food Safety Department said we must refrain from forwarding unverified posts and avoid unnecessary panic among the people. He said Watermelon is a non-climacteric fruit, meaning that it does not ripen after harvesting, adding that it cannot be ripened with artificial ripening agents unlike Climacteric Fruits, like Banana, Mango, and Muskmelon. It is not a seasonal fruit in India, but in parts of the country where winter is prolonged like J&K, Himachal etc.
He said it grows in our country around the year, especially in central and southern parts. Most fruits available in our markets in winter are from the cold stores from other states or even imported. Even if the fruits are available in the off-season, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are adulterated.
Meanwhile, a senior food safety expert while talking with Onlykashmir[dot]in emphasized, that the reassurance from the Food Safety Department has been met with relief and gratitude from consumers who can now enjoy watermelon without fear.
Watermelon can be adulterated with artificial colour e.g. Erythrosine-B / Red-B by way of injection into the watermelon to give it a bright red colour by unscrupulous vendors, but such cases are very rare.
Pertinently, Watermelon has become a favourite Ramadan fruit for the people in Kashmir and, every day, huge imports of the hydrating fruit reach the Valley from different states. For the past five years, massive watermelon consumption during the holy month of Ramzan has pushed other fruits to the edge.
During the last Ramadan 2023 more than 25 trucks loaded with 11 tonnes of watermelon, worth around Rs 1 crore, reached Kashmir daily.
