Currently, the most active period of the strawberry season is being experienced in the country, and an abundance of this product is observed in markets, as well as in sales points. The sale of particularly large, bright-looking strawberries has raised questions among some citizens regarding the composition of the product, its cultivation method, and its impact on health. Claims are also made on social networks and among the public that strawberries are grown with various chemicals, drugs, or hormones. Experts, however, state that in some cases, various agrotechnical means may be used to ripen the product quickly, store it without spoilage for a long time, and make it look more attractive. This increases concerns among consumers about product safety, quality control mechanisms, and possible effects on human health.
In his statement to Modern.az on the topic, the chairman of the Free Consumers Union, Eyyub Huseynov, noted that a large part of the strawberries entering fruit and vegetable stores, especially in Baku, are brought from farmer farms to the Meyvali market.
"A laboratory for food safety operates in Meyvali market, and products are checked before being put on sale. That is, it is impossible for undocumented products to enter stores, at least in Baku. Extensive tests are carried out on the products, and safety issues are controlled."
According to him, it should be taken into account that the large, bright, and long-lasting strawberries we see in the markets today are grown with certain chemical influences:
"About 10 years ago, I visited one of the strawberry plantations in the southern region. I saw a special room there where about 36 types of chemical preparations were stored. These preparations were used to protect the product from pests, ripen it faster, and maintain its appearance for a long time. Undoubtedly, all chemical substances pose a certain risk to the human p. However, there are permitted norms for use, and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency controls precisely these norms."
"Especially large strawberries, whose seeds are not visible and which are large enough to be cut with a knife, raise legitimate questions among consumers. Therefore, we do not consider excessive consumption of such products to be correct."
E. Huseynov added that naturally grown strawberries are usually smaller, softer, and are not yet observed in the market:
"Strawberries less exposed to chemical influences usually go on sale towards the end of the season - late July, August. But market demand is different. Markets want the product not to spoil for a long time, and not to lose its shape and appearance. For this reason, various chemical agents are used in the production process.
Let me reiterate that safety is controlled. But the quality issue remains behind, no one guarantees it. AQTA controls this area. In general, citizens can contact AQTA's 1003 hotline if they encounter suspicious-looking products," he noted.
Food expert Farid Safarov, on the other hand, stated that in a period when an abundance of products is observed in the market, especially large and bright-looking strawberries raise certain questions among buyers.
"It should be noted that not every large strawberry necessarily means it is hormonal or dangerous. Some varieties are genetically large and are grown faster in greenhouse conditions. But growing the product with excessive chemicals or improper storage can create certain health risks.
Uncontrolled use of pesticides, excessive fertilizers, and some chemical agents can pose a threat to human health. Long-term and continuous consumption of such products is associated with risks such as allergic reactions, digestive system problems, additional burden on the liver and kidneys, and in some cases, hormonal imbalance. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered particularly vulnerable groups. But the main issue here is not so much the product itself, but whether the substances used comply with the norms."
The expert also emphasized that citizens should pay attention to several points when buying strawberries:
"Excessively large, uniformly sized, very bright, and artificial-looking products can raise suspicion. Natural strawberries usually have a distinctive aroma, their color is not completely uniform, and they tend to soften quickly. If strawberries do not spoil for days, have a weak smell, or remain completely white inside, this can raise certain questions about cultivation and storage. When buying, it is necessary to avoid damaged, bruised, moldy, or excessively wet products.
Strawberries are a very sensitive product, and storage and transportation conditions must be strictly adhered to. If the temperature regime is violated, bacteria and mold can develop on the product. Especially in hot weather conditions, strawberries stored openly for a long time spoil faster. Such products can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Therefore, it is important to wash strawberries well before use, consume them as soon as possible, and store them in the refrigerator."
F. Safarov also drew attention to the strong control mechanisms in this area:
"Monitoring carried out by the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency in markets and production areas, taking samples from products, and laboratory analyses are important for consumer safety. But it is also important for consumers to be careful, buy products from reliable sales points, and adhere to hygienic rules."
