Can potatoes with small sprouts be eaten?

Generally, it is not recommended to eat potatoes that have just started sprouting. Consuming them may lead to physical discomfort. The detailed explanation is as follows:

During storage, if the temperature and humidity conditions are suitable, potatoes may begin to sprout. Sprouting triggers the production of a harmful substance called solanine. This compound is toxic to humans—even ingesting small amounts may cause symptoms of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Moreover, even if only tiny sprouts are visible, the solanine content inside the potato may have already increased significantly. Even after removing the sprouted portions, the remaining potato may still contain solanine levels exceeding safe limits.

To ensure food safety and avoid the risk of poisoning, potatoes with even minor sprouting should not be consumed. It is advisable to use fresh potatoes when preparing meals.