On hot days, melons can accumulate dangerous pesticides, even when treatments are applied correctly. Heat affects the photosynthesis process, increasing the risk of toxicity. Experts advise us to avoid melons with the core exposed also because of the risk of bacterial contamination.
Watermelons can become toxic in the heat – Photo Archive
Specifically, during the heat, melons can become toxic due to pesticides that are not effectively eliminated, warns Viorica Lagunovschi-Luchian from the USAMV. In addition, fruits with exposed cores, such as melons, can promote the proliferation of E. coli and Salmonella bacteria.
Specifically, “the plant no longer does photosynthesis or normal respiration, so it does not metabolize the pesticides applied. In melons there is a risk of being toxic“, explained Viorica Lagunovschi-Luchian, professor at the Faculty of Horticulture, USAMV, according to ProTv News.
At the same time, experts warn us not to buy and consume fruit with the core exposed. In melons, for example, the process of multiplying bacteria such as e-coli and salmonella in the soil and on the knife is accelerated if we plug. However, this method is to the seller’s advantage. Even unripe melons have a sweet core.
Controls in markets
Inspectors from the National Phytosanitary Authority (ANF) took samples from dozens of producers of apricots, nectarines, peaches and melons. Laboratory analyzes will check for the presence and concentration of over 360 chemicals. Some of these substances are banned by the European Union and others have strict limits set by law.
“We have started the action of taking samples of green and yellow watermelon to check for pesticide residues. The action started at Drumul Taberei Square in sector 6 and continues nationally. The aim is to prevent the commercialization of non-compliant melons.“, announced ANF, a few days ago.
On July 15, tens of kilograms of seasonal fruits were sent from several markets in the country to phytosanitary laboratories for detailed analysis.
Thus, phytosanitary inspectors collect samples of watermelon and yellow watermelon from the markets in the country, and then send the samples to two accredited analysis laboratories to be analyzed for the amount of pesticide residues
“Although measures will be taken where deviations are found, including fines and the stoppage of non-compliant products from being sold, the purpose of the action is not a punitive one but rather one of awareness for both farmers and the consuming public. Farmers with compliant products will be able to display the results of the analyzes at the points of sale, gaining buyers’ trust in Romanian products“, ANF representatives also said on Facebook.
Such an operation also took place at the beginning of the season, when cherries and strawberries were controlled. After 233 samples were analyzed, “the existence of a small number of non-conformities was found, only 3 of which were detected with quantities above the legal limit of pesticide residues“, according to ANF.
There are three cases in which the permitted level of pesticides was exceeded, in two markets in Bucharest and one in Focșani. Phytosanitary inspectors issued fines between 500 and 7,000 lei.
How pesticides are putting us at risk
Repeated exposure to pesticides from various food sources can have a cumulative toxic effect on the body, recently warned toxicologist Radu Țincu.
In fact, several studies have linked low-toxicity exposure to pesticides with forms of cancer, especially leukemias and lymphomas.
“Also, these substances work as endocrine disruptors, that is, they can mimic certain hormones, which can lead to the appearance of certain endocrinological dysfunctions, even more so during the development period, in puberty. Certain menstrual cycle disorders, early puberty can occur, and on the other hand, through this endocrinological mechanism, pesticides can promote the appearance of cancers in some organs that are hormonally regulated: breast cancerprostate or cervix“, said the toxicologist.
Regular testing to detect the presence of pesticides in fruits and vegetables is essential.
“It is obvious that the main control mechanism is the performance of tests by the authorities, tests that highlight the presence or absence of these pesticides, some of them may be within limits, others – above the level allowed or prohibited by legislation“, also said the head of the toxicology discipline at the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine.
To limit the intake of pesticide residues we should wash fruits and vegetables under running water for a few minutes, this can dilute the concentration of pesticides on their surface. It is recommended to peel fruits and vegetables, but also to avoid using detergents, which can introduce other forms of toxicity.
