Over 200 People Are Killed by the “World’s Deadliest Food” Every Year — Yet Nearly 500 Million Still Eat It

Deaths usually occur when:

• Cassava is eaten raw or undercooked
• Traditional processing steps are skipped
• Food shortages force people to rush preparation

Symptoms of poisoning include:

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Severe stomach pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Death in severe cases

Children are especially vulnerable.

Long-Term Health Effects

Even when cassava poisoning is not fatal, long-term consumption of poorly processed cassava can lead to serious conditions such as: