Adulteration of mustard oil has led to several outbreaks of Epidemic D

Adulteration of mustard oil has led to several outbreaks of Epidemic Dropsy in India. Which one of the following contaminant is responsible for it ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Automobile oil

Linseed oil

Argemone oil

Rapeseed oil

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

Download PDF Attempt Online

Epidemic Dropsy is a clinical state resulting from consuming edible oils (most commonly mustard oil) that have been contaminated with Argemone oil. Argemone oil contains the toxic alkaloid sanguinarine, which is responsible for the symptoms of epidemic dropsy, including edema (swelling), skin lesions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and even heart failure. The contamination occurs when seeds of the Argemone mexicana plant, which visually resemble mustard seeds, are accidentally or intentionally mixed with mustard seeds.

– Epidemic Dropsy is caused by the consumption of edible oil contaminated with Argemone oil.
– The toxic substance in Argemone oil is sanguinarine.

Argemone mexicana is also known as Mexican poppy or prickly poppy. The seeds are small, black, and round, similar to mustard seeds, making accidental contamination during harvesting or processing possible.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-