Cantaloupe with Chemical taste - Ask Extension
Hello,I bought a cantaloupe from Fred Meyer (Kroger), Wilsonville, OR this past weekend. I cut into it today and first bite tasted like a chemical, ...
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Cantaloupe with Chemical taste #645469
Asked June 03, 2020, 3:11 PM EDT
Hello,
I bought a cantaloupe from Fred Meyer (Kroger), Wilsonville, OR this past weekend. I cut into it today and first bite tasted like a chemical, much like mineral spirits smells. Second bite confirmed something was wrong with it. I googled it and the extension site came up and mentioned a pineapple that tasted of Acetone. That is what I tasted! What I found is that some fruit from Mexico can have this taste and to not eat it but return to store so the store can report. QUESTION: WHAT IS IT THAT I TASTED AND HOW DID IT GET THERE? Thank you so much!!! Denise
I bought a cantaloupe from Fred Meyer (Kroger), Wilsonville, OR this past weekend. I cut into it today and first bite tasted like a chemical, much like mineral spirits smells. Second bite confirmed something was wrong with it. I googled it and the extension site came up and mentioned a pineapple that tasted of Acetone. That is what I tasted! What I found is that some fruit from Mexico can have this taste and to not eat it but return to store so the store can report. QUESTION: WHAT IS IT THAT I TASTED AND HOW DID IT GET THERE? Thank you so much!!! Denise
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Denise. Unfortunately, contamination in the food supply chain, particularly from foreign countries, is not a topic we have staffed in Extension. There are numerous chemicals--mostly pesticides--that are used in regions not regulated by the EPA or the USDA, so we don't know what was used. I suggest you return it as soon as possible so that the smell/taste doesn't dissipate, and store personnel can document the problem. Good luck!
