Damaged rinds allow bacteria and mold to penetrate into watermelons
Damaged rinds allow bacteria and mold to penetrate into watermelons, significantly increasing the risk of food poisoning and intestinal infection, reported by RIA Novosti, nutritionist and ultrasound diagnostician of the 'Persona' and 'Prozrenie' clinic network, Ekaterina Tarasova.
Consensus
- Damaged watermelons with cracks or dents pose a higher risk of food poisoning and intestinal infection.
- Bacteria and mold can penetrate the watermelon through breaches in the rind.
- The inner flesh of watermelons is rich in moisture and sugar, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
- Consuming damaged watermelons may lead to hospitalization in an infectious disease unit.
- Experts advise against buying damaged watermelons even if they are heavily discounted.
- It is safer to purchase undamaged watermelons, even at full price, to avoid health risks.
Points of divergence
- The doctor also emphasized that in summer, even short-term temperature deviations during storage can be critical and lead to poisoning, and recommended choosing dishes prepared in front of the customer in cafes and restaurants. — vm
- Plants in cracks can produce mycotoxins, which are difficult to eliminate from the body and can cause hidden damage to the liver and kidneys, even if the flesh appears normal. — riamo
Coverage (2 sources)
- Why you cannot buy damaged watermelons — Вечерняя Москва
- Don't be fooled by the tempting discount: watermelons with cracks are a direct path to infection — РИАМО