Rumor Refutation：Eat Watermelon Scientifically and Safely

Rumor 1 :Watermelon wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator will cause gastrointestinal

/✗:This is a wrong statement

The claim that “wrapping watermelon in plastic wrap increases bacteria by 10 times” originated in 2013, when a media outlet conducted an experiment by cutting a watermelon into two halves, covering one half with plastic wrap and leaving the other half uncovered. They found that the wrapped half had 1012 more bacteria than the uncovered half, leading to the conclusion that people should avoid using plastic wrap to refrigerate fruits as it promotes bacterial growth. However, is this really the case?

Professionals explain that the speed of bacterial reproduction depends on two factors: the degree of contamination of the food and the storage environment of the food. Covering the surface of watermelon with plastic wrap itself does not cause bacteria to proliferate rapidly. Instead, factors such as storing the watermelon in an unclean environment or at excessively high refrigerator temperatures are the main culprits behind rapid bacterial growth.

Moreover, uncovered frozen watermelon sees faster microbial growth, and its taste, texture, and appearance are inferior to those wrapped in plastic wrap. The role of plastic wrap is actually to prevent water loss, reduce bacterial contamination from the air, and prevent flavor mixing. If cut watermelon is left at room temperature for too long, bacteria will grow and pose a health hazard.