Watermelon fields in eastern China are a mess after farmers used growth chemicals in an attempt to make extra money. The farmers sprayed forchlorfenuron, a growth accelerator, during overly wet weather and put it on too late in the season, which made the melons explode in the fields according to one report by China Central Television.
According to MSNBC, the exact growth chemical used by Chinese farmers is permitted on grapes and kiwi fruit in the US.
This is yet another example of the increasingly concerns about food safety and quality tracking. As we examine the food chain and the increase in sales of organic produce, it seems logical to draw attention to the inability of agencies to inform the public fully, and avoid potentially severe health hazards.
