Laboratory Tests Confirm Watermelons Sold in Algeria Are Safe for Consumption

Algeria’s Ministry of Internal Trade and National Market Regulation has confirmed that watermelons sold across the country are safe for consumption, following laboratory tests conducted in response to claims circulating on social media.

The ministry assigned laboratories operated by the Algerian Centre for Quality Control and Packaging to examine several watermelon samples and verify whether they presented any potential risk to consumers.

The samples were collected from different watermelon-producing regions, as well as from wholesale fruit and vegetable markets managed by the public company Magros in several provinces.

According to the ministry, the laboratory testing process lasted an entire week and was carried out using precise reference techniques, in accordance with the regulations and standards currently in force.

Microbiological tests showed a complete absence of harmful or disease-causing bacteria in all the samples examined. The ministry said these findings confirmed the microbiological safety of the watermelons available on the national market.

Tests were also conducted to measure nitrate levels. The results showed that nitrate concentrations in all the samples were very low and remained within normal and safe limits. The recorded levels were far below any concentration that could pose a risk to consumers or cause negative health effects.

Based on these scientific findings, the ministry firmly rejected claims circulating on some social media platforms that watermelons contained dangerously high levels of nitrates. It stressed that such allegations were not supported by scientific evidence or reliable references.

The ministry urged citizens to obtain information from official sources and avoid sharing or believing rumours and unverified reports.

It also reassured consumers that inspection and laboratory testing operations continue regularly throughout the country to ensure the safety of products offered for consumption and strengthen consumer protection.

In addition, the ministry said it reserves the right to take appropriate legal action against anyone who spreads false or misleading information that could damage the reputation of national agricultural products, harm farmers’ interests or negatively affect the national economy.

The statement was issued on Saturday, July 11, 2026, after growing online concerns regarding the safety of watermelons sold in Algeria.

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