The Indian government has banned Chinese garlic due to its fatal health effects, yet it continues to enter the Indian market through illegal routes via Nepal. Customs officials recently seized 1,400 quintals of Chinese garlic in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, bringing the issue into sharp focus.
This garlic, grown through artificial methods rather than natural farming, has failed lab tests in India due to the presence of a deadly fungus. Despite the ban, large quantities continue to be smuggled into the country, posing a significant health risk.
Upon receiving a tip-off, customs officers in Maharajganj intercepted the smuggled garlic and buried it as part of the disposal process. However, a crowd of local residents soon arrived, digging up the garlic and roasting it. When questioned, they claimed they wouldn’t consume it but intended to use it as fertilizer. Others admitted they would use the garlic, citing high market prices as a reason to take it.
Health experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of consuming this contaminated garlic. Yet, the incomplete destruction of the seized garlic has left locals frustrated, as many questioned why the authorities allowed it to remain accessible. The incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of measures to prevent harmful goods from entering the Indian market.