1 dead, 3 ill after eating watermelon: 3 facts to know about watermelon and rules for storing cut fruit

While summer months and watermelons are inseparable, in recent days, watermelon and food poisoning have become quite synonymous too. In an unfortunate incident, a 15-year-old boy died and three other children fell ill in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district after allegedly consuming cut watermelon that had reportedly been left open for several hours, news agency PTI reported. The incident took place in Ghurkot village, where the children allegedly ate watermelon that had been sliced in the morning and consumed later in the evening. According to PTI report, doctors suspect food poisoning and bacterial contamination as the possible cause of the illness, although the exact reason will only be confirmed after forensic examination. The children began vomiting and complained of severe discomfort shortly after eating the fruit. Their family members rushed them to a nearby healthcare facility, where one of the children died during treatment. According to Dr S Kujur, civil surgeon at the Janjgir-Champa district hospital, viscera of the deceased child had been sent for examination. “The watermelon was sliced on Monday morning and the children ate it in the evening. Vomiting started after eating it. One child died while the remaining three are stable,” Kujur said. While the final medical report is awaited, it is important to understand that cut fruits shouldnot be left unattended for along and should be consumed within 2-3 hours. Scroll down to read what study says.

According to a study titled Effect of time before storage and storage temperature on survival of Salmonella inoculated on fresh-cut melons, where the effects of a waiting period at room temperature ( approximately 22 degrees C) before refrigerating fresh-cut watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew pieces contaminated with Salmonella on survival of the inoculated pathogen were investigated, it has been found that populations of Salmonella, aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mold and Pseudomonas ssp. in fresh-cut melons left at room temperature for up to 5h before refrigeration were significantly (P<0.05) higher than populations in fresh-cut melons stored at 5 degrees C immediately after preparation. Populations of Salmonella recovered in fresh-cut melon after inoculation with the cocktail of Salmonella strains averaged 2 log(10)cfu/g for all three types of melons. The study summarises that holding freshly prepared, contaminated fresh-cut melon pieces at 22 degrees C for 3h or more prior to refrigerated storage would increase the chances of Salmonella proliferation, especially if the fresh-cut melons were subsequently stored at an abusive temperature.

Wash it well: Before cutting the watermelon, always wash the outer surface, as knives can transfer germs from the rind to the fruit. Also, make sure to wash the knife well after removing the peel.
Avoid pre-cut melon: When it comes to melon, they often come in bigger sizes, and people end up buying pre-cut melons to avoid wastage. It is suggested to avoid such practices and always buy whole fruit and avoid pre-cut melons.
Avoid unkept melon: After cutting the melon, make sure it is refrigerated within 2 hours and is consumed within 2-3 hours as well. And if the cut melon smells sour, feels slimy, or tastes fizzy, discard it immediately.

Avoid sour ones: If the melon states sour, there are chances it is chemically treated and hence, it should be avoided. Also, there are chances such melons are unripe and may cause gut issues.

Refrigeration: It is suggested that after cutting the fruit, it should always be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Air-tight container: According to FSSAI, cut fruit should always be stored in an airtight containers to keep them fresh longer and avoid further contamination with air and bacteria.
Separate storage: Cut fruits generate more aroma and can affect other foods too. Hence, it is always suggested to keep fruits like mango, watermelon and muskmelon separate from each other and other strongly scented foods.
Consumption duration: It is said that cut fruits should be consumed within 2–3 hours for best taste and safety.
Avoid leaving out: Make sure that you don't leave cut fruits uncovered outside or in the fridge too.

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