The Dangerous Consequences of Eating Melons from Morocco

Alert in Europe Over the Presence of Banned Pesticide in Melons Imported from Morocco. The European Rapid Alert System for Food issued a notification after detecting residues of an unauthorized pesticide in a shipment of melons from Morocco.

The presence of this substance was officially recorded on April 5, 2024. It was classified with a "potentially serious" risk level, according to European Union reports.

Border control in Spain allowed the identification of the contamination of the melons with chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide widely used for pest control in homes and crops. This compound, which appears in crystalline form with a characteristic natural gas odor, has been subject to strict regulation due to its potential adverse health effects.

Chlorpyrifos is commonly used to eliminate insects such as cockroaches, fleas, and termites, and is also found in some flea collars for pets. However, its use in agriculture has been restricted in several countries due to the risks it poses to human health and the environment.

After the detection of this pesticide in Moroccan melons, European authorities have been automatically notified, and measures are expected to be taken to prevent their commercialization and consumption. 

What Are the Consequences of Eating These Melons with Pesticide?

Consuming melons contaminated with chlorpyrifos, a pesticide banned in the European Union, can have serious health consequences. Various studies have indicated that exposure to this substance, whether by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, can cause organophosphate poisoning. Symptoms include headaches, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and even, in extreme cases, death.

The use of this pesticide has been a concern for health organizations in both Europe and the United States. In October 2023, the General Court of the European Union rejected an appeal filed by two companies attempting to overturn the ban on methyl-chlorpyrifos, a related compound. Since 2020, European regulations have prohibited its use due to its potential genotoxic effect and impact on the nervous system.

The European Food Safety Authority has indicated significant risks to human health, which led the European Commission to ratify the pesticide ban in January 2020. This, after the member states' refusal to renew it. The presence of this substance in food represents a health threat, so authorities have reinforced controls to prevent its commercialization.