The ‘world’s deadliest food’ claims over 200 lives every year, yet nearly 500 million people still eat it

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 200 people die due to consumption of cassava annually.

This led cassava to be dubbed “the world’s deadliest food.”

“Cassava tubers contain a varying quantity of cyanogenic glucosides which protect the root against attack by animals and insects. Appropriate processing before consumption can reduce cyanogenic glucoside content of cassava. When high cyanogenic cassava is not processed correctly, high dietary cyanide exposure occurs,” a research published by WHO states.”

“This often happens during times of famine and war. Cyanide in cassava is associated with acute cyanide poisoning and several diseases including konzo.

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