More than 200 people lose their lives each year due to what’s been called the “world’s deadliest food”, yet nearly 500 million people continue to consume it.

There are plenty of foods that can leave you feeling full in no time, but most of them don’t make it to the dinner table on a daily basis.

Now, let’s talk about something real—something that millions rely on for survival. What is it?Cassava.

As both a plant and a staple food, cassava plays a crucial role in the diets of countless people worldwide. Every year, half a billion people eat it, and hundreds of millions of tonnes are harvested.

Originally from South America, cassava is widely consumed and deeply embedded in many cultures. However, despite its importance, it carries a hidden danger that makes it one of the most lethal foods on the planet.

Cassava is a staple food for millions, but parts of the plant—its stems, peel, and leaves—are highly toxic when consumed raw, as they produce hydrogen cyanide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 200 people die each year due to cassava poisoning, earning it the nickname “the world’s deadliest food.”