Beware: These Surprising Signs Show Your Potatoes Could Be Dangerous, Warns Doctor

Deadly Toxin in Common Potatoes: Doctor Warns About Hidden Dangers of Solanine

Potatoes left too long in storage can pose serious health risks, according to Dr. Samuel Choudhury, a general practitioner in Singapore. In a video shared with his 216,000 Instagram followers, Dr. Choudhury warns that potatoes with green patches or sprouted eyes contain solanine, a toxin that can lead to harmful and even life-threatening symptoms.

While green patches are widely recognized as indicators of solanine, Dr. Choudhury emphasizes that sprouting alone can also be a red flag. Sprouts develop when potatoes are stored in light and humidity, triggering their dormant growth nodes to extend, which increases solanine levels. This neurotoxin can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, digestive distress, irregular heartbeats, and, in rare cases, death.

Dr. Choudhury shared the story of Maria Harless from Denver, Colorado, who suffered Solanine poisoning after eating sprouted potatoes. She awoke in the middle of the night experiencing intense vomiting and headaches. Her trip to the emergency room confirmed that her symptoms stemmed from the toxin in her meal, underscoring the risks associated with consuming older, sprouting spuds.

He advises discarding any potatoes that show green patches, sprouts, or a bitter taste. While removing small sprouts from firm potatoes can reduce toxicity, it's best to avoid those with extensive sprouting or discoloration.

Estimates from the European Food Safety Authority suggest that as little as 1 mg of solanine per kilogram of body weight could be dangerous. To prevent solanine buildup, Dr. Choudhury recommends storing potatoes in a cool, dark space—slightly warmer than the fridge—to keep them fresh and safe.