Patna: Authorities in Patna have uncovered a major food fraud operation involving the sale of chemically treated “fresh” potatoes in the city’s markets. Teams from the food safety administration raided Mithapur and Meenabazar markets, seizing two truckloads of potatoes that had been coated with red soil and chemicals to give them the appearance of new produce.
The operation, led by Food Safety Officer Ajay Kumar, found that old potatoes, transported daily from Chhattisgarh in the early hours, were being disguised as fresh and sold at a significant markup. Traders were reportedly purchasing the potatoes for Rs 20-25 per kilogram and selling them for Rs 70-75 per kilogram.
“These potatoes are easily distinguishable from natural ones,” Kumar said. “They emit a strong chemical odour, their surface is unnaturally shiny, they spoil within two days, and their interior colour does not match the exterior. Unlike real potatoes, they float in water.”
The raid caused panic among traders, with more than half a dozen fleeing the scene. Authorities are currently identifying them and preparing to take further action.
Experts have warned that the chemicals used in the counterfeit potatoes can cause liver and kidney damage, and regular consumption may lead to digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and appetite loss.
During the operation, officials also inspected local restaurants, including Sanvi Collection Cafe on Boring Road and Skyline Biryani House in Raja Bazar, taking samples of suspected adulterated paneer. The sale of paneer and biryani from these establishments has been temporarily suspended pending laboratory tests.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over food safety standards in the state capital, highlighting the risks posed by adulterated produce in local markets.
