A video (here and here) going viral on social media claims that three children have died due to a common mistake of storing onions and potatoes together or closer to each other. It contains multiple clips of children lying on hospital beds and floors, while a few other clips show elders wailing. A voice in the video states that storing Potatoes and Onions together is dangerous, as Ethylene gas produced by Onions reacts with Potatoes, which makes them quickly sprout and produce ‘poisonous chemicals’ like Solanine and Chaconine. The video goes on to say that eating such potatoes will cause ulcers, gastric inflammation, food poisoning, nervous system failure, etc, and that this could be fatal for kids. At one point in the video, we see a screenshot of Dainik Bhaskar’s article on this topic. We will fact-check this claim through this article.
Claim: Storing onions and potatoes together causes the potatoes to produce poisonous chemicals like solanine and chaconine, which can be fatal when consumed, especially for children.
Fact: It is true that onions release ethylene gas and potatoes contain glycoalkaloids like solanine and chaconine, and storing the two together will only accelerate spoilage. However, toxic effects are only seen when large quantities of green or sprouted potatoes are consumed. Hence, the claim made in the post is Misleading.
Firstly, we noticed that the viral video contains unrelated visuals of children lying in hospital beds, elderly people wailing. To verify this video, we performed a keyword search and found no credible reports of children seen in the video dying because of consuming sprouted potatoes stored near onions.
Do onions release ethylene?
Yes, onions release ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening and spoilage of nearby produce. According to a scientific article available on the USA’s National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), UC San Diego Health, and the Washington Post, Onions do produce Ethylene.
Do potatoes contain solanine and chaconine?
Potatoes naturally contain glycoalkaloids like solanine and chaconine, especially in the skin and sprouted parts. These compounds are toxic when humans consume them in large amounts. According to a document released by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JEFCA) and a European Food Safety Authority, EFSA report, symptoms of toxicity or poisoning in humans have been reported at heavy doses of consumption, not moderate quantities.
A scientific article on the NCBI presents information about past cases of Solanine poisoning linked to eating potatoes.
The JEFCA document discusses the symptoms of human poisonings that occur due to the consumption of greened or damaged potatoes, which you can find in the following image.
According to an article published by Michigan State University, if one consumes enough green, spoiled potatoes, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, paralysis, coma, and in rare cases, death.’ However, according to this article, ‘A small amount of green on a potato chip, for example, doesn’t necessarily equate to these symptoms. If you notice small spots of green on a potato, they can be trimmed off. If it covers a large area, discard the entire potato.’
During our research, we learned that the Dainik Bhastkar article that is being shown in the viral video quotes the ‘National Capital Poison Center’, which is a non-profit organisation based in the US.
As per their article, fresh potatoes that have not sprouted are safe for consumption, but it is better to throw away ‘potatoes that have turned green or grown sprouts. Eating them puts you at risk for toxicity from solanine and chaconine, 2 natural toxins found in green or sprouted potatoes.’
Storing onions and potatoes together
It is true that storing onions and potatoes together can cause the potatoes to sprout and spoil faster due to ethylene exposure. As per the Washington Post, ethylene-sensitive items should be kept apart from ethylene producers to reduce spoilage. The Michigan State University article cautions people not to store onions and potatoes together as onions produce ethylene gas, which can promote sprouting.
The viral claim is exaggerated
The claim made in the video exaggerates real food safety concerns. It is true that solanine and chaconine can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or neurological effects if consumed in large quantities (here and here), but it is misleading to claim that simply storing onions and potatoes together will create deadly toxins.
Indian fact-checking organisation THIP contacted Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, in this regard. She told them that “.. sprouted or green potatoes can develop natural compounds called glycoalkaloids, mainly solanine, which are the plant’s way of defending itself. These chemicals are found in higher amounts when potatoes are exposed to light, stored for too long, or begin to sprout. If eaten in large quantities, they can irritate the stomach and, in rare cases, cause more serious symptoms. But the key thing to remember is this: the average person isn’t likely to get sick from eating one or two sprouted potatoes by mistake. Just look out for green skin or deep sprouts, and if in doubt, throw them out. It’s more about food quality and taste than a serious health hazard in everyday situations.”
To sum up, it is a fact that onions emit ethylene, and potatoes can develop glycoalkaloids if sprouted or greened. Toxicity occurs only when large quantities of green/sprouted potatoes are consumed. This makes it clear that the viral video was made using unrelated clips to make an exaggerated claim that storing both together will be hazardous, without explaining the nuances.
Note: While it’s important to be cautious about food safety, it’s equally crucial not to fall for exaggerated or misleading claims on social media. Always consult your doctor or a qualified medical professional if you suspect food poisoning or have health concerns related to what you eat. Viral videos may stir fear, but your best protection is verified information and expert advice.
