Diesel-Cooked Paratha Controversy in Chandigarh

A viral video on social media alleging that a food vendor in Chandigarh was using diesel to cook parathas triggered outrage and prompted demands for investigation from the Indian food regulatory authority. However, the stall owner and the blogger responsible for the video have since clarified the situation.

Background:

Parathas are a popular Indian flatbread typically cooked in edible oil or ghee. In recent years, there have been concerns about the use of diesel or other fuels in food preparation, posing health risks to consumers.

The Viral Video and Clarification:

The video, which went viral on platforms like Google and YouTube, showed a man pouring a liquid from a diesel can into a tawa while cooking parathas. This sparked immediate backlash and condemnation.

However, the owner of the stall, Channi Singh, denied the allegations, stating that the video was a "spoof" by a blogger. He clarified that they only use edible oil in their cooking process.

The blogger responsible for the video, Amanpreet Singh, also issued an apology, acknowledging that the parathas were actually cooked in cooking oil. He explained that the diesel had been used for dramatic effect in the spoof video.

Investigation and Regulatory Responsibilities:

Despite the clarifications, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated an investigation into the matter. The authorities collected samples from the stall and sent them for testing.

The FSSAI has a mandate to ensure the safety and quality of food consumed in India. It has strict regulations against the use of harmful substances in food preparation, including fuels like diesel.

Top 5 FAQs and Answers:

1. Was diesel actually used to cook parathas? No, the stall owner and the blogger have both clarified that the video was a spoof and that only edible oil was used in the cooking process.

2. What prompted the video's creator to use diesel in the video? The blogger stated that the diesel was used for dramatic effect in the spoof video.

3. What are the health risks associated with diesel-cooked food? Diesel is not meant for human consumption and can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and cancer.

4. What is the FSSAI's role in this incident? The FSSAI has initiated an investigation to verify the claims made in the video and to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

5. How can consumers protect themselves from such incidents? Consumers should be vigilant about the food they consume and report any concerns or suspicions about food safety to the relevant authorities.