Srinagar: The Food Safety Department of Kashmir on Thursday rebuked the claims as baseless about the premature ripening of watermelons with the use of chemicals and assured that the department remains committed to maintaining stringent food safety standards.
Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Department Shugufta Jalal said that the experts, who specialise in food technology, have conducted rigorous tests across the region and that the claims of premature ripening are baseless.
She said that the tests include both surveillance and in-depth analysis using advanced equipment, and the results have confirmed that the watermelons are safe for consumption.
She said that the watermelons are grown throughout the year in various parts of India due to the country’s diverse climatic conditions which makes the fruit available in all seasons, contrary to the claims that it is not a seasonal fruit.
Shagufta said that the department has been proactive with teams deployed and mobile testing vans stationed in key areas across Kashmir to conduct on-the-spot testing.
“The department remains committed to maintaining stringent food safety standards and preventing misinformation from causing panic. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are dedicated to communicating transparently with the public to uphold trust and ensure the health and safety of all consumers,” she said.
Dr Wajahat, a clinical oncologist at a premier hospital here, had last week warned that “off-season” watermelons, ripened artificially, could cause cancer. “This is no watermelon season, Say NO to artificially ripened watermelon this Ramzan. Save yourself from chemicals and later on chemotherapy,” he posted on X on March 8. Several doctors backed his claim.
The claim raised alarm among consumers, as watermelons are a staple fruit during Ramadan, often consumed during Iftar.
(KNS).
