Chinese Garlic Issue: The issue of Chinese or Chinese garlic being sold indiscriminately in the markets is gaining momentum. The Allahabad High Court summoned the designated officer of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department of the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday and asked how the banned 'Chinese garlic' is still available in the market. There are reports of Chinese garlic being sold in markets in different parts of the country. After the issue gained momentum, action was also started and several quintals of Chinese garlic were seized in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh. Come, let's know why there is so much ruckus over this garlic.

Why did the case of Chinese garlic reach the High Court?

A lawyer named Motilal Yadav had filed a PIL in the High Court regarding Chinese garlic. The lawyer had said in his petition that 'Chinese garlic' is banned in the country due to its harmful effects, despite this it is easily available in the entire country including Lucknow. While hearing the petition, the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court has also questioned the Center's lawyer about the exact system in place to stop the entry of such items into the country and also asked whether any exercise has been done to trace the source of its entry. The petitioner had presented about half a kilo of 'Chinese garlic' as well as normal garlic in front of the judges during the court proceedings.

Why is Chinese garlic considered dangerous?

It is said that Chinese garlic that the fungus present in it can cause serious diseases. Also, the level of pesticides in Chinese garlic is quite high. Methyl bromide is also used on it to protect it from insects, due to which there is a risk of stomach diseases like ulcers, infection, etc. by eating this garlic. Consumption of this poisonous garlic causes kidney-related diseases. However, Chinese garlic is cheaper than local garlic, so despite being banned, it is being sold openly in the markets to earn more profit.

What is the difference between Indian and Chinese garlic?

Now the question is how to differentiate between the two kinds of garlic. Let us tell you that if you pay a little attention, Chinese garlic can be easily identified. Its color, size, and smell are quite different from the Indian garlic. The color of Chinese garlic is light white and light pink. On the other hand, if we talk about Indian garlic, then it is small in size and its color is white or cream color. There is also a difference in the smell of both. On one hand, while the smell of Indian garlic is strong, the smell of Chinese garlic is mild.