Buying watermelons in mid-July may be unsafe، especially for children، warned Kazakhstan's Deputy Agriculture Minister Azat Sultanov. The safest period for consumption is from late July to September، when the fruits ripen naturally without growth stimulants، reports infohub.kz.
According to the deputy minister، there are several growing seasons for melons and gourds: under plastic، mid-season، late-season، as well as year-round imports from other countries. He noted that all imported fruit and vegetable products undergo phytosanitary control for safety، pests، and diseases. However، issues related to potential excessive use of chemicals and residual amounts fall under the competence of the sanitary-epidemiological service.
Quote from the deputy minister: "As for production، of course، the safer period is from late July to September، when watermelons ripen without any additives such as fertilizers or growth stimulants. It is better، especially for children، to refrain now. This is my expert opinion."