Woman’s Brush with Death after Eating an Ordinary Potato— Case of Solanine Poisoning

It was just another day for Maria Harless, a Denver area woman, until a simple craving for comfort food became a nightmare. After indulging in a bowl of warm mashed potatoes, Harless found herself in the emergency room fighting for her life.¹

As Harless begins her journey to recovery, experts are sounding the alarm about the hidden dangers lurking in our kitchens. Could your next meal be the last? 

The Comfort Food Craving That Nearly Turned Deadly

On a Sunday evening, Maria Harless was recovering from a cold when she decided to satisfy her craving for warm mashed potatoes. Little did she know that this simple act of self-care would lead to a terrifying ordeal. 

Hours after consuming the potatoes, Harless woke up in agony, experiencing a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

The symptoms were so severe that Harless ended up in the emergency room the following day. It was there that doctors suspected solanine poisoning, a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by consuming potatoes with high levels of the toxic compound. 

As Harless struggled to recover, she couldn’t help but wonder how something as ordinary as a potato could have brought her so close to death.

The Silent Danger: Solanine in Potatoes

Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison found in plants of the nightshade family, including potatoes. While regular potatoes contain only small amounts of solanine, certain conditions can cause the levels to spike to dangerous heights. 

Exposure to light, improper storage, and physical damage can all stimulate potatoes to produce more solanine, turning a healthy vegetable into a potential killer.

According to experts, consuming large amounts of solanine can lead to a range of severe symptoms, from gastrointestinal distress to neurological disorders and even death. (ref)

Studies have recorded illnesses caused by a range of 30 to 50 mg of solanine per 100 grams of potato, with symptoms varying depending on the ratio of body weight to the toxin and the individual’s tolerance. 

In extreme cases, solanine poisoning can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and respiratory failure (ref).

A Rare but Deadly Threat

While solanine poisoning from potatoes is relatively rare, it’s not unheard of. Throughout history, there have been several documented cases of mass solanine poisonings, some of which have resulted in fatalities. 

In 1979, 78 schoolboys in the UK fell ill after eating improperly stored potatoes, with 17 of them requiring hospitalization. (ref)

Even more frightening are the cases where a single potato has nearly claimed a life. In 1925, a family of seven was poisoned by a batch of green potatoes, resulting in the deaths of the mother and daughter. (ref)

It’s a reminder that even something as seemingly innocuous as a potato can turn deadly under the right (or rather, wrong) circumstances.

Protecting Yourself from Potato Poisoning

Taking proper precautions when storing and preparing potatoes is essential. to minimize the risk of solanine poisoning. Experts recommend the following tips:

• Store potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent greening and sprouting
• Inspect potatoes before purchasing and discard any that are damaged or have started to green
• Cutaway green spots, sprouts, and eyes before cooking, as these areas contain the highest levels of solanine
• If a potato tastes bitter or causes a burning sensation in your mouth, do not consume it
• Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect solanine poisoning

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the potential risks, you can enjoy potatoes safely and avoid the terrifying ordeal Maria Harless experienced.

A Wake-Up Call for Food Safety

Maria Harless’ brush with death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety. 

By spreading awareness and advocating for stricter potato storage and handling regulations, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that the food we consume is safe for ourselves and our loved ones. 

Let Maria Harless’s story be a wake-up call for us all—a reminder that even the most ordinary foods can pose extraordinary risks if we’re not careful.

Source:

1. Fox6 News Milwaukee