Over 200 People Are Killed By The “World’s Deadliest Food” Every Year, But Almost 500 Million People Still Eat It psss
Over 200 People Are Killed By The “World’s Deadliest Food” Every Year, But Almost 500 Million People Still Eat It
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.”
Such dangerous exposure is especially prevalent during times of famine and war. Cyanide poisoning from cassava is linked to several severe diseases, including konzo.
Konzo is a debilitating, irreversible condition marked by sudden paralysis in the legs, which is often a result of consuming bitter cassava, particularly when combined with a low-protein diet. This condition is most commonly found in regions suffering from extreme poverty, where it can occur sporadically or in epidemics.
Despite its deadly reputation, millions of people continue to eat cassava every day without issue. This raises the important question: how can you make sure that cassava is safe to eat?
The key lies in proper preparation. Ensuring cassava is safe involves a lengthy process, including soaking the plant for up to 24 hours to remove harmful toxins.
In Venezuela, for example, people were consuming cassava in its dangerous form because they relied on salty foods to survive during times of food scarcity, as reported by El País.
While cassava remains a critical food source for many, understanding and practicing safe preparation methods can make it a nourishing and safe part of the diet. As awareness spreads about the risks associated with cassava, the methods for properly processing it are becoming more widely practiced, reducing the dangers of poisoning.
‘World’s deadliest food‘ kills more than 200 people a year but millions of people still eat it
Around 500 million people eat the food every year
One of the deadliest foods in the world is eaten by half a billion people, and its widespread popularity may account for it having a deadly reputation if not prepared right.
When we say it's the 'world's deadliest food' we really do mean food, as there are many other deadlier things you could be eating which would not form part of your diet.
There are many things in this world you can eat which would kill you very quickly, but those tend not to be regular fixtures on the dinner plate.
Not many things that turn up on our dinner plates can kill us, but you'd be surprised how many people eat what is considered to be one of the 'world's deadliest foods' (Getty Stock Image)
However, something called cassava is a staple food which 500 million people eat and hundreds of millions of tonnes of it are produced for eating every year.
It's a plant that flourishes in tropical climates which is native to South America, though the world's top producer these days is Nigeria.
Cassava is a popular food and part of the staple diet of half a billion people, but the roots, peel and leaves of the plant are dangerous to eat raw because they contain toxic substances which can produce hydrogen cyanide.
Sweeter versions of cassava can contain as low as 20mg of cyanide per kilogram, but among the bitterest strains that figure can increase to 1,000mg of cyanide.
Cassava is a staple food for 500 million people, but parts of the plant are toxic (Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The World Health Organisation estimates that cassava poisoning kills about 200 people a year, so while it may be along the 'world's deadliest' foods, the number of people who eat it regularly and are fine is very high indeed.
That's because human beings are pretty clever, if we're allowed to pat ourselves on the back a bit here, and have learned how to prepare certain foods that would otherwise pose a health risk to us.
There are chefs who train to prepare an incredibly poisonous fish that would make for a deadly delicacy if not prepared by expert hands and we've learned how to lower the risk of being killed by cassava.
Eating parts of cassava raw or not processing them properly can cause death, and has been linked to the neurological disorder ataxia as well, so there are health impacts from this food apart from death.
When prepared properly it's a staple food for hundreds of millions of people, but it can expose people to hydrogen cyanide if things go wrong (Maskur Has/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Preparing the food properly, which can involve soaking the plant for up to 24 hours, is a key part of making cassava as safe as possible.
The danger posed by cassava seems to increase during times when food is scarce, as during famines and food shortages people may eat more of the bitter cassava which is more likely to contain higher amounts of hydrogen cyanide.
During food shortages in Venezuela in 2017, El Pais reported that people were dying because they were eating the bitter food to stave off starvation.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photo
How to Eat Boiled Cassava Safely: Essential Tips Everyone Should Know
Boiled cassava is a popular and affordable staple food in many parts of the world. However, if not prepared and eaten correctly, cassava can pose serious health risks due to naturally occurring toxins. Health experts warn that understanding the proper way to consume boiled cassava is essential to avoid food poisoning.
Cassava roots contain cyanogenic compounds, which can release toxic cyanide when the plant is raw or improperly processed. Eating raw or undercooked cassava may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
To eat boiled cassava safely, the first and most important step is proper preparation. The thick outer skin and inner pinkish layer must be completely peeled off before cooking. These parts contain the highest concentration of toxins and should never be consumed.
After peeling, cassava should be thoroughly washed and soaked in clean water for several hours, or ideally overnight. Soaking helps reduce harmful compounds by allowing them to leach out into the water. The soaking water must be discarded and never reused.
When cooking, cassava must be boiled in plenty of water until it becomes soft and fully cooked. Health authorities recommend boiling cassava for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The cooking water should also be discarded, as toxins can be released during the boiling process.
Experts advise against eating cassava that tastes bitter or has an unusual smell, as bitterness can be a sign of high cyanide content. Additionally, cassava should not be eaten in large quantities at one time, especially by children, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems.
In conclusion, boiled cassava can be a nutritious and satisfying food when prepared correctly. By peeling thoroughly, soaking properly, and cooking fully, people can enjoy cassava safely while avoiding unnecessary health risks. Public awareness of safe cassava consumption plays a crucial role in protecting community health.
Longtime House Democrat Passes Away
Longtime House Democrat Passes Away
St. Louis, MO — Missouri Democratic Rep. William Lacy “Bill” Clay Sr., the first Black congressman from the state and a towering figure in American civil rights and politics, died Thursday at the age of 94. Clay, who represented Missouri’s 1st Congressional District from 1969 until his retirement in 2001, leaves behind a legacy that spanned over three decades in the U.S. House and reshaped both St. Louis and the broader political landscape of the nation.
For many, Clay was more than a politician; he was a fighter, an architect of progress, and a bridge between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the halls of Congress where laws reflecting that struggle were debated and passed. His career was marked by perseverance, vision, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
William Lacy Clay Sr. was born on April 30, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri, into a city defined as much by its contradictions as its possibilities. St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch and reputation as the “Gateway to the West,” was also a city fractured by redlining, segregation, and entrenched racial inequality. It was within this environment that Clay came of age, sharpening both his sense of justice and his political instincts.
By the age of 28, in 1959, Clay made his first political breakthrough when he was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, becoming one of the youngest members to serve. His rise came at a pivotal time. Across America, Black communities were mobilizing in the aftermath of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Clay’s early involvement in sit-ins, protests, and labor organizing in St. Louis foreshadowed the lifelong commitment he would carry into Congress.
In a 1998 profile, Clay reflected on the challenges of his youth in segregated St. Louis. “St. Louis was no different from any of the cities in the South,” he said. “We had rigid segregation — not by law, but by custom.” That reality pushed Clay to activism and, ultimately, to political leadership.
Civil Rights Champion in St. Louis
Before reaching Washington, Clay made his mark as a local civil rights advocate. He joined sit-ins against discriminatory businesses, including national chains like White Castle and Howard Johnson, that enforced segregation by dividing Black and white customers into separate areas. Clay was arrested more than once in the pursuit of equality, but he viewed those moments as badges of honor, emblematic of the larger struggle.
As an alderman, Clay confronted entrenched systems of discrimination in housing, policing, and employment. St. Louis, like many Northern cities, practiced a form of segregation just as destructive as Jim Crow laws in the South — exclusionary zoning, discriminatory lending, and systematic underfunding of Black neighborhoods. Clay was among the first in the city’s political establishment to openly challenge those practices.
He also built alliances with organized labor, seeing the power of unions as intertwined with the fight for racial equality. That relationship would remain central throughout his congressional career, helping him push for workers’ rights, minimum wage increases, and improved labor standards.
From Local Leader to National Voice
In 1968, at the height of social upheaval following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Clay ran for Congress. His campaign tapped into the frustration and determination of St. Louis’ Black community, who were demanding representation equal to their population and influence. He won decisively, becoming Missouri’s first Black member of Congress in 1969.
Clay entered Washington during a time of tremendous change. The Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965) had become law, but the fight for economic justice and equal opportunity was far from over. In Congress, Clay positioned himself as both a legislator and an activist, never shying away from confrontation when necessary.
In 1971, Clay co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) alongside 12 other African American lawmakers. The group sought to amplify Black voices within the House, coordinate legislative strategy, and ensure that issues affecting African Americans received national attention. Today, the CBC boasts a record 62 members in the 119th Congress, a testament to Clay’s vision.
Legislative Achievements
Clay’s three decades in Congress were marked by significant legislative accomplishments. He was instrumental in shaping policies around labor rights, family protections, and social justice. Among the most notable:
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Clay played a key role in advancing the FMLA, which guaranteed millions of American workers the right to take unpaid leave for medical or family reasons without fear of losing their jobs. The landmark legislation, signed into law in 1993, remains a cornerstone of workers’ rights.
Raising the Minimum Wage: Clay was a consistent advocate for raising the federal minimum wage, arguing that economic justice was inseparable from civil rights. His efforts helped pave the way for periodic wage increases, lifting millions of workers out of poverty.
Urban Development in St. Louis: Clay used his influence to channel federal investments into St. Louis, negotiating with corporate leaders and trade unions to ensure that development projects benefited both the city’s skyline and its working-class residents. His work was instrumental in the city’s partial recovery following the exodus of white residents — often called “white flight” — after desegregation.
Civil Service Reform: Clay was also deeply engaged in oversight of federal employment policies, working to protect public employees and ensure fairness in hiring and promotions.
A Political Force — and a Demanding Ally
Clay was known for his political savvy and his ability to wield endorsements as powerful tools. Within Missouri’s Democratic Party, his support could make or break campaigns. Prominent Democrats often sought his blessing, aware that he expected loyalty in return.
“The Black community, almost overwhelmingly, looked at him as a fighter for them,” said his son, former Congressman Lacy Clay Jr., who succeeded him in representing Missouri’s 1st District until 2021.
That reputation as a fighter sometimes meant sharp elbows, but it also solidified his standing as one of the most influential Black lawmakers of his era.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from across Missouri and the nation.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer praised Clay’s “courageous legacy of public service to St. Louis and the country,” highlighting his role in historic legislative battles on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised. “Millions have him to thank for the Family and Medical Leave Act and raising the minimum wage,” she said.
Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO) described Clay as “a giant — not just for St. Louis, not just for Missouri, but for the entirety of our country.” Bell called him a mentor, trailblazer, and friend, adding, “I carry his example with me every time I walk onto the House Floor.”
The Congressional Black Caucus released a statement declaring: “Congressman Bill Clay leaves behind a legacy of dignity, courage, and transformative impact. His work laid the foundation for future generations of Black leadership in public service. May he rest in power and everlasting.”
Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said Clay “was a giant in the Congress and a civil rights pioneer who helped transform St. Louis and change the lives of countless people locally and nationally.”
Building the St. Louis Legacy
Clay’s impact on St. Louis is visible in the city’s development. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to secure federal dollars for infrastructure, housing, and education projects. His ability to “barter with construction trades and corporate C-suites,” as one colleague put it, was central to reshaping St. Louis’ skyline.
The Gateway Arch, the city’s most recognizable landmark, came to symbolize not only westward expansion but also the resilience of a city navigating profound demographic and economic shifts. Clay ensured that Black workers, unions, and small businesses were not left behind in these projects.
Family and Personal Life
Clay married Carol Ann Johnson in 1953, and together they raised a family that became deeply enmeshed in public service. His son, Lacy Clay Jr., carried on his father’s legacy in Congress for two decades, from 2001 until 2021.
Though known for his political toughness, Clay was also remembered by friends and family as warm, witty, and deeply devoted to his community. He often returned to St. Louis to engage directly with residents, attending church services, neighborhood meetings, and civic events.
The Broader Impact
Bill Clay Sr.’s life and career cannot be measured solely by the legislation he authored or the elections he won. His influence extended into the very fabric of American democracy. By co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus, he institutionalized a space for Black lawmakers to speak collectively and strategically. By challenging segregation in St. Louis, he helped pave the way for future generations of Black leadership in the city and state.
For many in Missouri, Clay represented the possibility of a more inclusive democracy. His life demonstrated that progress was not inevitable but earned through persistence, negotiation, and at times confrontation.
Final Reflections
As the nation reflects on Clay’s passing, his story serves as both a reminder of the struggles of the past and a guide for the challenges of the future. In an America still grappling with racial inequality, Clay’s insistence on tying civil rights to economic rights remains strikingly relevant.
His legacy is etched not just in history books but in the daily lives of workers who can take family leave, of citizens who saw their neighborhoods revitalized, and of Black leaders who walk the halls of Congress today because he helped clear the path.
“Bill Clay Sr. was ahead of his time,” one colleague noted. “He didn’t just represent St. Louis — he represented possibility.”
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Bill Clay Sr.’s 94 years left an indelible mark on St. Louis, on Missouri, and on the United States of America. His name will endure as a symbol of dignity, courage, and transformation.
