Ministry dismisses watermelon safety rumours, highlights food safety oversight
A senior ministry official dismissed social media claims linking watermelon consumption to food poisoning, saying no official cases have been reported while outlining Algeria’s food safety controls, ongoing inspection campaign and investment in laboratory capacity.
BY Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria’s Ministry of Internal Trade and National Market Regulation has rejected social media claims linking watermelon consumption to food poisoning, saying it has received no official reports implicating the fruit and urging consumers to rely on verified information rather than online rumours.
Speaking on National Radio, Noureddine Haridi, Director of Quality and Consumer Protection Promotion at the ministry, said no competent authority had notified the ministry of any food poisoning cases attributable to watermelon. He called on consumers to obtain information through official channels, including consumer protection services and accredited associations.
Haridi stressed that consumers should purchase food only from vendors complying with hygiene standards, warning against products handled with unsanitary equipment or sold in poor sanitary conditions. He added that the ministry continues to publish hygiene and food safety guidance through its official communication channels.
Strict regulatory framework
Haridi said Algeria’s food safety system operates under a comprehensive legal framework, notably Law 09-03 on consumer protection and fraud prevention, together with its implementing regulations, including Executive Decree 12-203 governing product safety.
He also defended the quality of Algerian agricultural products, noting that they continue to meet export requirements and emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting domestic producers while safeguarding consumer health. He added that coordination among the relevant ministries remains ongoing to strengthen food safety oversight.
Summer inspection campaign
The ministry has intensified inspections during the summer season, with controls focusing on perishable products—including meat, dairy products and beverages—as well as catering establishments.
Haridi recalled that a nationwide awareness campaign launched on 2 June under the slogan “Let’s make healthy eating a permanent way of life” will continue throughout the summer, promoting hygiene and proper food preservation practices.
He added that inspection services also supervised catering activities during the national baccalaureate examination period, with controls covering the entire supply chain—from production facilities to distribution networks and points of sale.
Food poisoning cases concentrated at private events
Haridi said nearly 60% of recorded food poisoning cases occur during wedding celebrations and other family gatherings, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns promoting proper food handling and hygiene standards. These initiatives are being conducted in cooperation with consumer protection associations.
He stressed that maintaining the cold chain remains essential, warning that any interruption can compromise food safety. Inspectors are equipped with rapid detection devices to verify compliance during field inspections.
Laboratory network expansion
The official highlighted the expansion of Algeria’s food testing infrastructure, noting that the Algerian Centre for Quality Control and Fraud Prevention now oversees 42 laboratories nationwide, while 16 additional laboratories are under construction.
He added that these facilities are complemented by a digitised network comprising 261 laboratories affiliated with various government sectors, as well as eight mobile laboratories deployed since last November to strengthen field inspections.
Haridi also outlined several research projects aimed at enhancing fraud detection, food packaging and product traceability, including initiatives conducted in partnership with Algerian universities. Results from these programmes are expected by the end of 2027, with projects covering intelligent biodegradable packaging, fraud detection technologies and digital product quality information systems.
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