India, July 14 -- In a warning to parents, Dr Vartika Vishwani, a surgical oncologist based in Gurugram, has raised the alarm on one of the world's favourite snacks: commercially prepared French fries. In a video shared on Instagram on July 10, Dr Vishwani suggested that these ubiquitous fast-food sides are potentially more harmful than smoking. Also read | Love French fries and potato chips? Study reveals eating them thrice a week increases diabetes risk by 20%

As a doctor and a parent, she took a definitive stand. "As an oncologist mom, this is one food that I have not given to my child to date. You will be shocked to know how dangerous French fries are," Dr Vishwani warned.

According to Dr Vishwani, the primary hazard doesn't stem fr...