Watermelons should not be cut or bought near roads, as they can accumulate heavy metals, Rospotrebnadzor’s press service reported on July 28.
The agency shared recommendations for choosing ripe watermelons: the presence of a bright rind with a hard, shiny shell, a light spot on the side of the fruit should be yellow or orange, and when tapped, the sound should be moderately sonorous.
Furthermore, it is prohibited to cut pieces for tasting or to cut the fruit at the point of sale due to the high risk of growth of harmful microorganisms at the cutting site.
According to the press service, watermelons should be sold in specially equipped, fenced and covered premises to prevent the accumulation of heavy metals from exhaust gases.
The department stressed that it is not recommended to buy melons at unequipped sales points along the roads, as such products do not pass the proper sanitary inspection.
“Products that have not passed the necessary sanitary examination are sold on the roads and in unequipped sales outlets. In addition, watermelons can absorb heavy metals contained in car exhaust gases.”– the department asked.
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.