The “Deadliest Food in the World” — Why Millions Still Eat Cassava

Many articles call Cassava the “deadliest food in the world” because, if eaten raw or improperly processed, it can release cyanide, a highly toxic chemical. Yet cassava remains a staple food for hundreds of millions of people and provides calories for communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

What is cassava?

Cassava is a starchy root vegetable native to South America. It is highly valued because it:

• Grows in poor soils.
• Tolerates drought better than many crops.
• Produces large amounts of food even under difficult conditions.
• Can be processed into flour, bread, porridge, chips, and other foods.

Why can it be dangerous?