Exploding Melons Chemical Implicated in Cancer & Neurological Disorders

Though the story of exploding melons in China is funny, the chemical that caused it is implicated in severe diseases and is routinely used in the United States and Australia.

by Heidi Stevenson

7 June 2011

A chemical that caused watermelons in China to explode is used routinely in the United States and Canada. Forchlorfenuron is used to make fruit grow larger and faster, but is known as a carcinogen and neurological poison. It's also suspected of having effects on reproduction.

Non-organic grapes, almonds, and kiwis are routinely doused with forchlorfenuron (FCF).

Unlike the EU, which recognizes its toxic nature, the EPA considers FCF to be safe. They claim that it is not a likely carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, or anything else noxious. However, the very nature of the chemical clarifies that it must be—and research demonstrates it.

Forchlorfenuron is a cytokinin, that is, it's a substance that promotes cell division and delays cell death. FCF acts on septins, which are key factors in mitosis, cell division. That function results in larger—and exploding—fruit. The application of excess FCF prompts cells to divide more rapidly. That's a cancer-like function.

Of course, the greater multiplication of cells produces bigger fruits, but that excess growth is not necessarily accompanied by adequate nutrients. Therefore, the stability and nutritional quality of the fruit tends to deteriorate. But then, what's a little less nutrition when more money can be made at market?

Obviously, FCF should be presumed to be carcinogenic unless proven otherwise. After all, cancer is abnormal and excessive cell division—precisely what FCF makes happen. That, of course, is exactly the opposite of how our regulatory agencies approach these issues. Rather than assume harm where it appears likely or possible, they require that a substance first be proven, virtually absolutely, to be extremely harmful before it's removed. That is, they choose to allow massive harm to health and the environment, rather than risk that a corporation might not make the profits it desires.

Septins have been found to be abnormally expressed in carcinomas. They are found associated with increased cell growth, motility ,and invasiveness. They are likewise found in association with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimers disease. They have also been found to function as host proteins in both viral and bacterial infections, so should also be assume to promote infections.

With the likely risks associated with FCF, what genuine benefit is gained by its use? In fact, the only benefit accrues to the farmer. It is, though, equivalent to putting your finger on the scale. The fruit isn't healthier. It is, in fact, less healthy. It costs more to transport because of the excess weight and size. It's almost certainly less tasty, as is true of virtually all foods that have been artificially made to look bigger.

So, for what amounts to a cheater's trick, the US and Australia allow the use of forchlorfenuron, which almost certainly leads to cancer and neurological damage, so some Agribusiness corporations can rack up a few more bucks.

And we get entertained by exploding watermelons in China.

News Report on the Exploding Watermelons

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