Moroccan Watermelon Safety: ONSSA Confirms No Health Risks

Red Moroccan watermelon has become the center of rumors on social media. Several posts have questioned the health safety of this fruit widely consumed in summer, raising concerns among many consumers.

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But industry professionals reject these accusations. They claim that watermelon produced in Morocco is subject to regular controls, particularly when destined for export. According to them, if the product presented a health risk, it could not access foreign markets, especially European ones.

According to data, ONSSA analyzed, until the end of June 2026, more than 5,600 samples of fruits and vegetables, including 557 samples of red watermelon. The results reportedly confirmed their compliance with current health standards.

The real risk after cutting

Professionals believe that cases of poisoning sometimes mentioned are not linked to product quality at the time of production or sale, but rather to storage conditions after cutting.

Watermelon contains a lot of water and can deteriorate quickly when left at room temperature, especially during periods of intense heat. Producers therefore recommend placing it directly in the refrigerator after cutting, at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees.

They also urge consumers to be cautious about watermelons exposed to the sun for long periods, particularly from certain street vendors, and to avoid any fruit with a questionable appearance.

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On the European level, data from the RASFF alert system reports no notices concerning Moroccan watermelon since 2023. Since the beginning of the year, only three reports have concerned Moroccan fruits and vegetables, with no link to red watermelon.