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| - Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that Watermelons are safe to eat. Injecting dye into a watermelon is highly impractical. We fact checked and found the claim to be Half true.
The Claim
@krishashok posted a tweet that claims “Your watermelons are safe. Stop falling for the annual clickbait about injections and Red-3 dye. Injecting dye into a watermelon is impractical due to turgor pressure and the physics of dye spread, which would create weird gradients unless injected in multiple places. Moreover, poking holes will cause the fruit to spoil quickly. The idea that Indian farmers have the resources to do this every year is absurd. This is content, not news.
PS: Lycopene, the carotenoid that gives watermelon its red color, will stain tissue paper. Red-3 is not needed for those scaremongering videos.
Fact Check
What is turgor pressure ?
Turgor pressure is the internal force that pushes a cell’s plasma membrane against its outer wall. Every plant and fruit has its own level of turgor pressure, crucial for maintaining their firmness and shape. Injecting red dye into a watermelon supposedly increases this pressure excessively. This can stretch the cell walls beyond their capacity, causing them to rupture. Consequently, the watermelon may become soft and release juice. Excessive cell inflation can alter texture, making the watermelon unnaturally firm or rubbery, impacting its quality. Elevated turgor pressure might also dilute natural sugars and flavours, reducing sweetness. Watermelons with excessive pressure may not store well and could spoil faster. This stress can also affect fruit growth and quality. In summary, while turgor pressure is vital for fruit texture and juiciness, excessive levels can negatively impact structure, taste, and shelf life.
Are watermelons really being injected by red dye?
As of now we can’t say anything but research into watermelon adulteration has revealed numerous studies discussing the use of saccharine and red dye to enhance the fruit’s sweetness and visual appeal. A 2023 study highlighted that saccharine mixtures are injected into watermelons to artificially increase sweetness, while red dye is used to make the fruit look more visually appealing to consumers. This practice of injecting red dye is aimed at enhancing the overall acceptability of the watermelons. Given these findings, it is concerning yet believable that watermelons are subject to such adulteration.
We asked Kamran Khan, Regulatory Consultant, whether watermelons are safe to eat or not, to this he said, “Watermelons might be adulterated, particularly before or during the early season, to maintain consistent taste and appearance throughout the year. Vendors might also inject watermelons to sell out their stock or during festive times. This concern led the FSSAI to upload a video on social media, educating people on how to detect erythrosine in watermelons.”
What did Karnataka do nine years ago about watermelon adulteration ?
According to an article published in the Bangalore Mirror on April 1, 2015, Agriculture Minister C. Krishna Byregowda informed the legislature that watermelon samples had been collected from various farmers and sent to a laboratory in Pune for testing. The test results indicated that there was no Erythrosin found in the fruit.
Farmers typically do not adulterate their produce; it is the vendors who engage in these practices to sell the products quickly and at a higher profit. Farmers earn money from their produce, but intermediaries, the vendors, often tamper with the goods. Consumers also play a role, as we desire watermelons that are sweet and red. Therefore, it should not be surprising when the fruit appears very red and sugary.
Which source should be trusted regarding the injection of red dye into watermelons?
It is difficult to believe that watermelons are injected with red dye, as the idea seems nonsensical and impractical. However, the FSSAI, a trusted government body, has also released a video on how to detect adulteration in watermelons, which was widely shared. Additionally, numerous research papers discuss this issue.
Is the red colour in watermelon lycopene or erythrosine?
Watermelons get their red color mainly from a natural substance called lycopene. But sometimes, sellers might add red dye to make the watermelons look even redder and juicier, hoping to sell more. People usually prefer super red and sweet watermelons. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) made a video to help people spot if their watermelons are tampered with. But telling if a watermelon is tampered with or not isn’t always easy. So, it’s better to be aware than to be fooled. It is always good to consume seasonal fruits.
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