In Morocco, since the start of the marketing of watermelon, information has circulated on social networks about the quality and safety of the fruit. This false information caused a drop in demand in the country.

 

Moroccan watermelon complies with health safety standards, assured the agriculture ministry, which categorically denied information circulating on social networks. All the analyzes carried out show a total absence of contaminants (pesticide residues, heavy metals and bacteria) specified the ministry. Adding that the various analyzes carried out as part of the monitoring and control plan during the current 2021 campaign attest to the quality of the fruit.

 

In addition, according to the ministry, watermelon exports for this campaign are at the same level as the previous campaign, with a tonnage of 218,000 tonnes shipped on June 20, 2021. The exported volume, similar to that of last year, also belies information that announced a drop in exports due to the quality of the product. These watermelons were mainly exported to the European Union which has a strict surveillance system. No non-compliance on Moroccan watermelon has been reported during the last 5 years.

 

The ministry also stressed that the use of genetically modified seed varieties is prohibited for all crops in Morocco and therefore the information on the use of genetically modified seeds is completely unfounded.

 

"The rumors shared on social networks about the harmfulness of this product are dangerous, irresponsible and unfounded and are harmful to the production of the watermelon crop and to farmers," the ministry said.