FSSAI Recommended Cotton Ball Method to Check the Presence of Chemicals in Watermelons

As summer temperatures soar, the refreshing taste of watermelons becomes a cherished relief from the heat. These juicy fruits not only quench our thirst but also help replenish lost energy. However, recent revelations about chemical adulteration in watermelons have raised serious concerns. Many of the watermelons we consume might be injected with artificial food color and sweeteners to enhance their appearance and taste. Fortunately, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has provided a simple yet effective method to check for such adulteration: the cotton ball test.

The Dark Side of Summer Fruits

While mangoes are often treated with carbide to accelerate ripening, watermelons face their own set of adulteration issues. 

Unscrupulous practices involve injecting watermelons with artificial color and sweeteners to make them look more appealing and taste sweeter. 

These practices have been highlighted in various viral videos on social media, showing how chemicals are injected into the fruit.

The Risks of Consuming Adulterated Watermelons

Consuming chemically adulterated watermelons can lead to serious health problems. Delhi-based clinical dietician Kanika Malhotra explains that chemicals like calcium carbide, used for ripening, produce acetylene gas which mimics natural ripening but also contains harmful substances like phosphorous hydride and arsenic. 

These substances can cause health issues such as vomiting, weakness, skin ulcers, and neurological problems including headaches and memory loss.

Identifying Chemically Injected Watermelons

Recognizing adulterated watermelons can be challenging. Here are some tips to help identify if a watermelon has been tampered with:

1. Watermelons that look unnaturally vibrant and uniformly red might be suspect.

2. If the watermelon feels soft in some spots and firm in others, it could indicate chemical injection.

3. Look for unusual cracks on the rind, which might be a sign of tampering.

4. Purchase watermelons from trusted vendors who sell organic products.

5. Wash the fruit thoroughly and consider peeling it before consumption to reduce the risk of ingesting chemicals.

The FSSAI Cotton Ball Test

The FSSAI has recommended a simple method to detect the presence of chemical dyes like Erythrosine-B in watermelons. Here's how you can perform this test at home:

1. Slice the watermelon in half to expose the pulp.

2. Take a clean cotton ball and dab it onto the pulp of the watermelon.

3. If the cotton ball turns red, it indicates the presence of Erythrosine or other chemical dyes, suggesting that the watermelon is likely adulterated.

While summer fruits like watermelons provide much-needed refreshment and nutrients, the risk of chemical adulteration cannot be ignored. The FSSAI-recommended cotton ball method offers a straightforward way to check for harmful chemicals in watermelons, helping consumers make safer choices. By staying informed and vigilant, we can enjoy the delicious taste of watermelons without compromising our health. Remember to purchase fruits from trusted sources and always perform the cotton ball test to ensure your watermelon is chemical-free.