Impact of Chinese garlic: Garlic is helpful in curing colds and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic contains vitamins C and B6, manganese and selenium, a type of antioxidant, which is believed to be responsible for its positive effects.

India News, Impact of Chinese garlic: Garlic is helpful in curing cold and flu and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic contains vitamins C and B6, manganese and selenium, a type of antioxidant, which is believed to be responsible for its positive effects. But there is also a type of garlic available in the market that contains toxic chemicals.

Poisonous garlic being sold in the markets

According to media reports, Chinese garlic, which was banned in 2014, is being sold illegally in India. The ban was imposed due to reports of fungus-infected garlic being sold in the country. The smuggled garlic is estimated to contain high levels of pesticides.

China works to protect garlic from fungus

A professor from Jadavpur University had earlier told TOI that Chinese garlic is treated with a fungicide containing methyl bromide to prevent fungal growth for six months. Apart from this, it is bleached with harmful chlorine. This kills insects in garlic, prevents germination and makes the cloves look white and fresh.

What is methyl bromide fungicide

Methyl bromide is a very toxic odorless, colorless gas that is used in agriculture and shipping to control fungi, weeds, insects, nematodes (or roundworms) and many other types of pests. Its excessive use is very dangerous for health. According to the USEPA, exposure to methyl bromide can cause failure of the central nervous system and respiratory system and damage to the lungs, eyes and skin. Not only this, there is also a risk of going into a coma.

Keep this in mind while buying garlic

Chinese garlic cloves are larger in size. Blue and purple lines are visible on its peel. If you buy such garlic, correct your mistake immediately.