When it is safest to eat watermelons - the Ministry of Agriculture named exact dates

Tengrinews.kz — Is it safe to eat watermelons in mid-summer, or is it better to wait until August or even autumn? This question was posed to Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov during a government briefing.
"There are ongoing debates about how safe it is to eat watermelons and melons due to nitrates and other factors. As an expert, what is your opinion? Is it safe to eat them now, or would you recommend waiting until August or autumn?" the question prompted.
Azat Sultanov explained that several different production technologies and varieties of melons are common in Kazakhstan: under-film, mid-season, late-season, and year-round varieties. In the latter case, watermelons and melons are imported from other countries.

"It is safer to consume melons during the period from late July to September. During this window, they ripen without the need for additives, fertilizers, or various growth stimulants. Therefore, it is better to abstain for now, especially when it comes to children. This is my expert opinion," the Vice Minister added.

He emphasized that all fruit and vegetable products imported into Kazakhstan undergo phytosanitary control to ensure they are free from various pests and diseases.

"From a phytosanitary standpoint, we consider them safe. However, residual chemical levels can be dangerous for citizens, and we are working closely with the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service on this matter," Sultanov said.

Earlier, health officials urged Kazakhstanis not to rush into buying early watermelons and melons. They also reminded the public that watermelons typically ripen between mid-July and September. Therefore, the appearance of "local watermelons" on store shelves before the season begins should be a red flag for consumers.