World’s ‘deadliest food’ kills 200 each year

For most of us, food is about nourishment, taste, and enjoyment. But for millions around the world, a simple meal can turn deadly.

Would you eat something that could kill you? For most people, food is about nourishment but across the world, certain foods come with a real risk of death – yet people continue to eat them. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most dangerous foods on the planet and why people still eat them.

Cyanide-laced staple

Cassava might look like an innocent tuber, but its roots and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which break down into cyanide when consumed raw or improperly processed. This can lead to cyanide poisoning, causing goiters, paralysis, and death.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cassava poisoning kills about 200 people a year, earning the root vegetable the title of “world’s deadliest food.”

Though it’s risky, cassava is a lifeline to over 800 million people in approximately 80 countries, WHO reports. It’s drought-resistant, easy to grow, and provides essential carbohydrates. When processed correctly – soaked, fermented, dried, or boiled – the cyanide levels drop, making it safe to eat. For many, it’s not a choice – it’s a necessity for survival.

Deadly delicacy