Watermelons and melons, which were imported from the Kherson region, have already appeared on the markets of the Zhytomyr region. The main danger when buying gourds is the excess of the permissible level of nitrate content.
In the period from 06/28/2019, the specialists of the laboratories of the veterinary and sanitary examination of the region were not allowed to sell 1022 kg of products in which the nitrate content was exceeded, of which:
- watermelons - 45 kg,
- melons - 897kg
- another - 80 kg.
Nitrates are salts of nitric acid, the most common substance in nature. Nitrates are found in soil, water, they are a chemical component of plants, metabolic products in humans and animals.
People are exposed to nitrates throughout their existence. However, if the load of these substances on the body is exceeded, they can adversely affect health.
The permissible dose of nitrates for humans is 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight, and in the daily diet of foods, the nitrate content should not exceed 450-500 mg / kg normal.
According to the Law of Ukraine “On Safety and Quality of Food Products", owners of plant products intended for sale on the market are required to submit them for research to the state laboratory of veterinary and sanitary expertise in the market.
Experts recommend:
- Never buy melons in those tents that are located along highways, near gas stations, in natural markets. Watermelon has the ability to quickly absorb the lead contained in the exhaust gases.
- You should not make a purchase from sellers whose berries are stacked in heaps right on the ground.
- Refuse the offer to chop the product.
- Before serving watermelon or melon on the table, they must be thoroughly washed.
