Inspectors from Doha Municipality’s Health Department yesterday destroyed five tonnes of watermelons at the Abu Hamour Central Market as the fruits were found “unfit for human consumption”.
The move came as part of the daily inspection tours conducted at the market to ensure the safety of products on display.
The watermelons were deemed unsuitable for consumption due to some changes in their colour and taste, it was learnt.
But good-quality watermelons were still available in large numbers at the fruits and vegetables market yesterday, being offered at  prices starting from QR5 for a medium-sized piece.
Vendors also displayed various types of local dates at the market, with some available for QR8 for a box of 8kg. Better varieties were available for up to QR20 for the same amount.
In general, prices of most vegetables and fruits were around the average levels for this time of the year. Some, though, were priced a bit on the higher side.
A box of 7-8kg of tomatoes cost QR20-25, with a smaller box being sold for QR14. The price of a box of eggplants, weighing around 6-7kg, ranged between QR15 and QR25 depending on the variety and size, while a similar box of cucumbers cost  QR15-35. Potatoes cost QR15-25 per sack.
Grapes, meanwhile, were available for prices starting at QR10 for a medium-sized box, going up to QR35.
While most of the products on display were imported ones, the dates had largely been procured from local sources.
Despite the good availability of fruits and vegetables, there were not too many customers at the market yesterday. Those present were keen to wrap up quickly as they did not want to spend much time there in the heat.
At the fish market, prices of almost all varieties were slightly higher than other days though many were available in good quantities.
The price of small tuna started at QR8/kg, while prawns cost QR15-50 depending on the size and origin. Some varieties cost even more.
Small sheri fish cost QR12/kg, sardines QR8-10, small hamour QR15 and zubaidi QR30.  
Though the fish market is a closed, air-conditioned facility, the number of customers was limited there as well.