Cracks, punctures, dents and pre-cut flesh are a direct route for bacteria into a watermelon’s sweet, moist interior, according to Elena Spetsenko, director of the Food Safety Competence Centre at Roskachestvo, Russia’s quality watchdog.
Spetsenko told Lenta.ru that shoppers should first check the rind for any damage. She said pre-cut watermelons should not be purchased even if the seller offers a sample slice.
Once cut at home, the flesh itself can reveal problems. Spetsenko said a loose, crumbly texture, an unusual taste or smell are immediate reasons to discard the fruit. Yellow or brown veins where white veins would normally appear can indicate poor growing or storage conditions and the start of decay, she added.
She advised washing the whole watermelon with warm soapy water or a brush before cutting it. Buyers should also avoid unauthorised roadside stalls, where proper storage and sanitary oversight are typically absent. Sellers should be able to produce a producer compliance declaration, a personal health record and legal entity information, Spetsenko said.
