Is it dangerous to store onions and potatoes together? Fact check

A video claiming that it is dangerous to store onions and potatoes together and that it has even led to the death of several children has been doing the rounds on social media lately. In the viral video, kids can be seen lying on the hospital beds and even on the floor while adults weep. It is mentioned that Ethelyn, released by onions, reacts with potatoes, causing them to sprout quickly and produce toxins such as solanine and chaconine. Eating such potatoes could lead to ulcers, intestinal swelling, food poisoning and nervous disorders, according to the video and the condition could get severe in children, often leading even to their death. A few screenshots of an article about this topic that appeared on Dainik Bhaskar are also shared in the video.

Investigation
It is pretty clear that the images of the children on the hospital beds and weeping adults are not related. In a keyword search, we couldn’t find any reliable reports of incidents where children had died after consuming sprouted potatoes. So, it was confirmed that the viral video has nothing to do with the claims in the post.

We then checked studies that suggest onions release Ethylene. According to studies by the USA’s Centre for Biotechnology Information, onions release Ethylene and can spoil other items placed near them. Meanwhile, potatoes naturally contain alkaloids such as solanine and chaconine, particularly in their skin and sprouts. These alkaloids become toxic when humans consume them in large quantities. Several reports by the European Food Safety Authority indicate that these do not turn into toxins when consumed in small amounts. Another study also suggests about the symptoms of poisoning in humans due to raw or spoiled potatoes.

It was found that the article appearing in Dainik Bhaskar mentions the National Capital Poison Centre in the US. As per their article, it is safe to consume fresh potatoes that do not sprout. The article also suggests that it is better not to consume raw and sprouted potatoes, as solanine and chaconine may not be safer.

What happens if you eat sprouted potatoes?
We consulted with several health experts to verify these claims. Raw or spouted potatoes can release certain natural components, such as solanine, also known as glycoalkaloids. This is a natural self-defence mechanism adapted by the plants. These chemicals are found in high quantities when potatoes are stored for an extended period or when they begin to sprout. If consumed in huge quantities, it could stimulate the gut and, in rare situations, lead to severe health conditions. However, a healthy individual may not experience any health problems by consuming one or two sprouted potatoes. Health experts advise avoiding raw skin or deep sprouts as much as possible.

From available data, it is true that onions release Ethylene. Additionally, raw or sprouted potatoes contain glycoalkaloids that can be toxic. However, the viral video claiming that eating onions and potatoes together or storing them together would cause severe health conditions, including death, is fake.

Fact
Onions release Ethylene, and potatoes contain solanine and chaconine. When stored together, onions and potatoes can spoil quickly. The alkaloids turn toxic only if you consume raw or sprouted potatoes in huge quantities. So, the claims made in the viral video are false and misleading.