Few foods are as closely associated with summer as a cold slice of watermelon. Whether it's served at a barbecue, packed for a picnic or enjoyed on a hot afternoon, most people never consider that this popular fruit also requires careful handling in the kitchen.
According to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet), as reported by KK.no, watermelon is one of the more perishable fruits once it has been cut.
The agency says bacteria can be transferred from the rind to the flesh during preparation, increasing the risk of foodborne illness if proper hygiene is not followed.
Why watermelon is different
Unlike many other fruits, watermelon has a relatively low acidity and contains large amounts of water and natural sugars. Those conditions make it easier for bacteria to survive and multiply if the fruit becomes contaminated.
Although the thick rind protects the inside, harmful bacteria can remain on the surface without affecting the fruit's appearance or smell. Cutting through the rind may transfer those bacteria directly into the edible flesh.
Simple precautions
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority recommends several simple steps to reduce the risk:
- Avoid buying watermelons with damaged rinds.
- Wash and dry the outside before cutting.
- Clean your hands, knives and cutting boards thoroughly after preparation.
- Keep sliced watermelon refrigerated until it is ready to be served.
The agency says washing the fruit with clean water is sufficient and that using dish soap is unnecessary.
Previous outbreak highlights the risk
The recommendations follow previous food safety incidents, including a salmonella outbreak in Norway in 2022 that was linked to contaminated watermelon.
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The case demonstrated how bacteria on the rind can spread during cutting and continue to survive if the fruit is stored at unsafe temperatures.
While healthy people often recover without serious illness, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are generally at greater risk of developing complications.
Food safety experts therefore stress that good kitchen hygiene and proper refrigeration remain the best ways to enjoy watermelon safely.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.