The consumer protection authority also checks watermelons during the summer period

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The NKFH explained: during the checks, the melons must meet strict professional criteria, and the experts monitor, among other things, cleanliness, possible cracks, maturity, shape defects, and whether the fruit has been classified in the appropriate quality class. The inspection covers wholesale distributors, such as wholesale markets, as well as retail outlets, including temporary roadside sales points.

These units require increased attention in terms of hygiene conditions

In all cases, it is mandatory to provide hand washing facilities, and sellers are recommended to use rubber gloves or plastic gloves when halving or cutting the product in order to ensure proper hygiene – the authority drew attention. One of the main goals of the inspection series is to ensure the traceability of the products, especially given that in the case of watermelons, misleading information about the country of origin may occur. It is important that buyers receive fruit of truly appropriate quality – they emphasized in the statement. In the event of a quality or labeling error, experts from the NKFH and government agencies may prohibit the distribution of the product and impose a fine. The authority will continue to monitor the reliable quality of fruits and vegetables in the future, thereby protecting the interests of consumers – the NKFH indicated.

MTI