Poisoning and diseases: when cassava becomes dangerous
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), improperly prepared cassava can cause acute, sometimes fatal, poisoning. Each year, approximately 200 deaths are reported worldwide due to improper preparation. And that’s not all: prolonged consumption of insufficiently processed cassava, especially during times of food crisis, can cause a condition called konzo, a neurological disease that causes irreversible paralysis of the legs. Worrisome, right?
This type of tragedy usually occurs in extreme situations, where avoiding hunger becomes the top priority. Cassava then becomes a survival solution… which can turn into a trap if poorly prepared.
continued on next page
