17.02.2026 12:35
The indispensable date on iftar tables poses serious health risks when stored under improper conditions. Experts indicate that "aflatoxin," a mold-related substance that can develop in dates sold openly and stored in the refrigerator after purchase, may cause cancer. The aflatoxin substance, which cannot be detected by sight or taste, can lead to death when consumed in excess.
Dates, which are one of the essentials of iftar tables during Ramadan, have found their place on stalls and shelves. Known for their health benefits due to their high fiber content, high antioxidant properties, and the presence of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins, dates also draw attention to their potential harms if not stored and sold in a hygienic environment.
NOT DETECTABLE BY SIGHT OR TASTE, CAN LEAD TO DEATH
Ali Manavoğlu, President of the Chamber of Food Engineers Antalya Branch, stated that toxic toxins can form in dates that are mostly sold openly on stalls by the roadside, not stored in suitable conditions, moldy, and left in a humid environment for a long time. Emphasizing that aflatoxin has a carcinogenic effect on humans, Manavoğlu said, "Mold and contaminants known as aflatoxin can form in dates sold openly in humid environments. Aflatoxin cannot be detected by sight or taste. It can only be identified in a laboratory. It is a toxin that causes cancer. Especially in children, pregnant women, and individuals with low immunity, excessive intake of these toxins can lead to death. Symptoms of poisoning such as high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur."
HIGH RISK IN OPENLY SOLD DATES
Manavoğlu also pointed out the health risks regarding hygiene in openly sold dates, stating: "We need to be careful to buy dates in packaging. Dates are generally found openly, by the roadside, in bulk in sacks, or on stalls. Dates sold by the roadside are affected by heavy metals, dust, and various contaminants from exhaust. Contamination from heavy metals due to exhaust can lead to diseases. Dates that are dusty or contaminated with physical impurities from outside should not be preferred."
GLUCOSE TRICK FOR A SHINY AND LARGE APPEARANCE
Manavoğlu drew attention to the fact that tricks are used to make dates appear larger and shinier, saying, "We can see practices to facilitate the sale of dates. The matte-looking dates that are not preferred for purchase are dipped in a sugary water known as glucose syrup to make the smaller dates appear larger and increase their appeal. This makes them look nicer despite being sticky on the outside. There is no need for additional glucose intake from outside because dates already contain sufficient fruit sugar. Excessive sugar consumption due to external intervention creates a risk of diabetes," he said.
WARNING: "DO NOT STORE IN THE FRIDGE"
Manavoğlu emphasized that dates should be stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight after purchase, stating, "Consumers often store dates in the refrigerator after buying them. Dates kept in the refrigerator may undergo crystallization, changes in texture and fiber structure, and alterations in taste. By storing dates in a cool, dark place away from sunlight at room conditions, we can prevent the risk of aflatoxin and mold. This helps to preserve the taste and texture of the dates and ensures their proper consumption. The storage conditions are written on the packaging of the dates. It is also not recommended to store them in the refrigerator there. Storing dates purchased from a cool, sunless place in the fridge will spoil the quality and texture of the product," he said.