Paratha made with diesel? All you need to know about this viral video

A disturbing video circulating on social media shows a shopkeeper in India deep-frying a paratha, a popular flatbread, in what is claimed to be diesel fuel. The video has caused outrage among viewers, prompting calls for action from food safety regulators.

Parathas are traditionally fried in ghee, butter, or oil, but this video depicts a shocking deviation. The vendor is seen submerging the paratha in a dark liquid, with the person filming claiming it's diesel. The person filming even comments that the taste resembles a "kachori," another deep-fried snack. This unhealthy and potentially dangerous cooking method has garnered widespread concern.



Netizens have flooded social media, tagging India's food regulator, the FSSAI, demanding an investigation. The video caption itself highlights the health risks, sarcastically calling it a "true recipe for cancer."

This incident comes just days after the ICMR-NIN released new dietary guidelines urging Indians to adopt healthy eating habits.

The guidelines highlight the link between improper diet and non-communicable diseases, which account for over 56% of health issues in India.

Social media users expressed disgust and disbelief. Comments point out the potential health risks associated with consuming diesel-fried food, with some even predicting dire consequences for both the cook and the customers. The lack of proper food licensing and safety standards has also been called into question.

Owner of the dhaba, Channi Singh has denied the claims. Singh stated, "We neither make any such thing as 'diesel paratha' nor serve any such thing to customers. A blogger had made that video just for fun. It is common sense that nobody would consume a paratha prepared in diesel nor is it cooked like that. I didn't know that the video was going viral, I came to know only yesterday. The blogger in question has deleted it and apologised to the people...We use only edible oil. We provide hygienic food to people here. We also supply langar from here...We don't play with people's lives."

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a balanced diet. Consuming a variety of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting overall well-being. Be wary of viral food trends, and for personalized dietary advice, consult a qualified dietitian or healthcare professional.