Even as many are shocked over the deaths due to alleged suspected food poisoning from eating watermelons, experts say such instances are rare. Death due to the fruit is almost always due to external contamination
or underlying medical conditions rather than the fruit itself. News18 explains all you need to know.
What happened in South Mumbai?
A couple and their two minor daughters died due to suspected food poisoning from eating watermelon following a family get-together at their home in south Mumbai, police alleged on Monday.
The victims, Abdullah (40), his wife Nasrin (35), and daughters Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16), reportedly fell ill shortly after a family get-together they hosted at their JJ Marg residence on April 25, an official told PTI.
The family consumed a main course of ‘chicken pulav’ along with five other guests, and once the visitors left, they consumed watermelon and began experiencing vomiting and giddiness, he said. The official said that the couple and the children were first rushed to a private hospital, but as their condition worsened, they were shifted to JJ Hospital, where all succumbed on Sunday.
Abdullah, the head of the family, was the last to die around 10.30 pm on Sunday. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of food poisoning from the watermelon, as those who ate only the ‘pulav’ did not face any health issues, the official said.
A post-mortem was conducted, and the histopathology report is awaited to confirm the cause of death, he said, adding that a case of accidental death has been registered and a further probe is underway.
Cases when watermelon can be deadly
1. Chemical Contamination: Unscrupulous traders sometimes inject watermelons with Erythrosine (a red dye) or carbides to make them look riper and sweeter. Consuming these chemicals in high concentrations can lead to acute organ failure or severe neurological damage.
2. Bacterial Food Poisoning: Because watermelons grow on the ground, their rinds can carry bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria.
- Cross-Contamination: If the rind isn’t washed before cutting, the knife can push bacteria into the flesh.
- Storage: Leaving cut watermelon at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply rapidly, which can lead to fatal infections in vulnerable individuals.
3. Potassium Overload (Hyperkalemia): Watermelon is rich in potassium. While healthy for most, it can be life-threatening for people with chronic kidney disease.
Excess potassium can disrupt heart rhythms. In extreme cases, it can cause the heart to stop (cardiac arrest).
4. Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): Though very rare, some people are severely allergic to watermelon or its seeds. This can cause anaphylaxis, a state where the throat swells and breathing stops, requiring immediate emergency medical intervention.
How to Stay Safe
Wash the Rind: Always scrub the outside with water before slicing.
Check for Dyes: If the flesh looks unnaturally red or bleeds color into a glass of water, do not eat it.
Smell and Texture: Discard any fruit that smells “fizzy,” sour, or has a slimy texture.
Refrigerate: Always store cut watermelon in the fridge and eat it within 3–5 days.
Remember the dos and don’ts
Dos
- Do lift it: Pick the one that feels heaviest for its size.
- Do look for yellow: Ensure the “belly spot” is creamy yellow, not white.
- Do check the stem: Look for a shriveled, brown tail.
- Do wash the rind: Scrub the outside before cutting to avoid transferring bacteria to the fruit.
- Do store whole at room temp: Keeping it on the counter for a few days can actually increase antioxidants.
Don’ts
- Don’t buy shiny ones: A glossy rind usually means it’s underripe.
- Don’t store near apples: Watermelons are sensitive to ethylene gas, which makes them mushy faster.
- Don’t leave cut fruit out: Once sliced, it must be refrigerated within two hours.
- Don’t freeze for eating: Freezing ruins the texture; only do it if you plan to make smoothies.
- Don’t ignore bruises: Avoid melons with soft spots or leaking juice.
KEY FAQs
Can watermelon really cause death?
Very rarely. Only if contaminated (bacteria/toxins) or in extreme medical conditions.
What likely caused the South Mumbai case?
Possible food poisoning or contamination, not the fruit itself.
How to stay safe?
Eat fresh, wash and store properly, and avoid cut fruit left unrefrigerated.
With PTI inputs
