The ‘world’s d3adliest food’ that ruins more than 200 people every single year continues to be eaten by nearly half a billion people.

Cassava, a plant but also food, is a staple in many people’s diets as it’s eaten by 500 million people every year. It’s popular because it’s cheap, filling, and grows easily in harsh conditions. But cassava contains cyanide, and if it’s not prepared properly, it can be deadly.

“Many things you can eat in the world would finish you off almost instantly,” but cassava is different—it’s common at the dinner table, especially in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Each year, cassava poisoning affects thousands. More than 200 people die after eating it improperly processed. The risk is higher during droughts, as bitter cassava is more toxic.

Still, millions depend on cassava as a key food source. Its roots are turned into flour, chips, and even tapioca. But experts warn, “It must be soaked, dried, and cooked correctly to make it safe.”

—