Every year, over 200 people die from consuming what is known as the “world’s deadliest food,” yet nearly 500 million people still eat it.
There are many foods that could fill you up quickly, but you wouldn’t find them on your dinner plate every night. So, what is the food that’s both deadly and widely consumed around the globe?
Cassava, a plant and a staple food for many, plays an important role in the diets of millions of people worldwide. Each year, it is consumed by over 500 million people, and hundreds of millions of tons of cassava are grown around the world.
Originating in South America, cassava is both a plant and a well-known food, but it also comes with significant risks. The plant’s stems, peel, and leaves are toxic and can produce hydrogen cyanide, making it potentially fatal if consumed improperly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 200 people die annually from eating improperly prepared cassava. This is why it has earned the grim title of the “world’s deadliest food.”
The WHO explains: “Cassava tubers contain varying amounts of cyanogenic glucosides that serve as a defense against animals and insects. When these glucosides are not processed correctly, cassava can release cyanide, leading to high dietary cyanide exposure.”
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