At the end of June 2025, a video that attracted widespread public attention in Uzbekistan circulated on social media, particularly on TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram. This was reported by Upl.uz.
This video spread false information about mass poisoning of children with melon. The footage showed canisters filled with dark orange liquid and equipment allegedly used for making chemical bombs.
Some messages on Telegram mentioned that hospitals were overcrowded and there were cases of poisoning with melon. However, investigations conducted by the media found that such information was not true.
Official sources, including state media and government websites, reported no cases of mass poisoning with melon or melons. The Republican Sanitary-Epidemiological Wellbeing Committee also denied such claims and stated that no such incidents had occurred in the country.
During the investigation, it was found that the containers shown in the video contained mineral fertilizers necessary for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It was emphasized that these substances, when used in moderation, do not harm health and are even used in organic farming.
The video began to spread at the end of June and went viral at the beginning of July. It was actively shared on social media, causing concern among the population.
Some users added comments about overcrowded medical facilities to the video, fueling panic. However, official sources did not confirm such claims.
Law enforcement agencies and sanitary services did not report any emergencies related to food poisoning. Media investigations highlighted that such videos could distract a wide audience, especially in conditions where information spreads rapidly on the internet, and emphasized the need not to believe such false news.
Journalists called on the public to rely only on reliable sources. The government stated the importance of preventing the spread of false information, noting that such lies could harm public peace and the reputation of local agricultural producers.
Additionally, during the period when false information was spread, there were attempts on some social media to link the situation with international events. Some users spread false claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the poisonings in Uzbekistan.
Melon and cantaloupe are considered the favorite products in Uzbekistan during the hot summer days. People often prefer to keep melons in the refrigerator and consume them cold.
