A nutritionist warned about the risks associated with buying pre-cut watermelons and melons. According to Duna Nicolau, cited by the Spanish portal 20minutos, when the fruit is cut, it loses the natural protection of the rind and becomes more exposed to air, surfaces, and utensils, which makes storage conditions essential.
After cutting, the fruit can be contaminated by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, especially when it is left outside the cold or prepared with dirty utensils. The knife used for cutting can also transport microorganisms from the rind to the flesh if the exterior surface has not been properly washed. These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal problems and more serious infections in children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
When buying pre-cut fruit, one should check whether the product is refrigerated and protected. If it has been left at room temperature for several hours, especially on hot days, bacterial multiplication becomes more likely. Damaged packaging, excess liquid, color changes, strange smell, or overly soft texture are warning signs, although a fruit may appear normal and still not have been stored correctly.
The safest option is to buy the whole fruit, washing the exterior before cutting, using clean utensils, and storing it quickly in the refrigerator after opening. If you prefer to buy pre-cut, you should confirm that it has been refrigerated at all times, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and consume it within a short period of time.
