PANAJI
Goa’s Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is intensifying inspections in markets and roadside stalls for checks on potential malpractice in ripening or manipulation of appearance in watermelons after the shocking deaths of four family members in Mumbai, allegedly linked to watermelon consumption has sparked doubts in people's minds.
Officials said teams are conducting routine and regular checks to ensure vendors are not indulging in malpractices such as injecting fluids into the fruits to make their edible insides appear redder and thus attractive.
A senior FDA official said, monitoring has been stepped up and so far there has been no evidence of any such malpractices in Goa.
“Injecting fluids into fruits is illegal and punishable. People should make sure they buy from trusted vendors and not from fly-by-night traders. Also, report if any suspicion arises to the FDA immediately.” the official said.
The Mumbai case has had an effect on public confidence in the most sought after summer fruit, with wild and unverifiable theories being circulated on social media reels.
According to reports, the Mumbai family members fell ill soon after a meal that included watermelon, and all four died within 24 hours last week.
However, there is no formal confirmation as yet from Maharashtra's health authorities pinning the cause of the deaths to watermelon consumption.
The incident, nonetheless, has triggered fears about adulteration of the popular summer fruit. In Goa, however, officials point out that watermelons are also grown locally, and concerns about contamination are far less.
“Locally produced watermelons are safe. We are regularly conducting checks and testing to reassure people,” the FDA official said and advised citizens to look out for unusual texture or unnatural gloss (colour) in watermelon insides.
FDA teams will continue their vigilance of vendors across Goa, he said, adding that the watermelon is safe when purchased from reliable local sources.
The Mumbai tragedy has cast a shadow of doubts over the safety of one of the most loved summer fruits, but Goa’s FDA insists safeguards are in place and that locally grown produce remains entirely trustworthy.
