‘World’s Deadliest Food’ Kills Over 200 People Annually, Yet Millions Still Eat It

There’s one food that’s responsible for more than 200 deaths annually, yet nearly half a billion people continue to eat it as a regular part of their diet. 

Of course, there are plenty of substances in the world that could be deadly if consumed, but most of them aren’t items you’d find on a dinner plate.

However, this particular food is widely eaten across the globe, making it all the more concerning. So, what is it?

The answer is cassava—a plant that doubles as a staple food for millions. 

Each year, roughly 500 million people consume it, and global production reaches hundreds of millions of tonnes.

Native to South America, cassava is a key part of many traditional diets. But despite its popularity, it carries a serious risk.

The roots, peel, and leaves of the plant contain toxic compounds that, when eaten raw or improperly prepared, can release hydrogen cyanide—a substance that can be lethal to humans.

 

The cassava plant can be deadlyEmmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images
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