Srinagar, March 12 -- Natably, during the holy month of Ramazan, people prefer watermelon during Iftari to quench their thirst.

However, rumors have been going around for the past few days that chemicals are being used to expedite the coloring of fruits, raising concerns about food safety and consumer health.

Although the government denied reports of an influx of artificially ripened fruits into the market and appealed to people not to panic, the department ordered its men to take samples of watermelon in all districts of the valley.

"In light of the viral message circulating in social media regarding artificial ripening of watermelons and other fruits, you are hereby directed to undertake rigorous market inspections of fresh fruits an...