Refrigerated Chapati Dough: Safe or Harmful? Food Expert Debunks Viral Claims

• Social media claims chilled chapati dough causes gas and stomach issues due to germ multiplication.
• Food expert Krish Ashok explains that refrigerating dough is a common practice called cold fermentation, used by artisan bakers worldwide.
• At 4°C, harmful bacteria growth slows, while beneficial lactic acid bacteria (like those in yogurt) continue to work, potentially making dough easier to digest.
• Cold fermentation breaks down complex carbs and proteins, and reduces phytic acid, which can improve mineral absorption.
• Digestive issues like gas are usually linked to eating habits or gluten sensitivity, not refrigerated dough; proper cold storage is safer than leaving dough at room temperature.