Carambola
Carambola, also known as starfruit is quite popular in Brazil. This tropical fruit is rich in antioxidants, but also contains two compounds that are extremely dangerous for the kidneys.
Hot dog
Hot dog is a popular fast food among both adults and children. However, this food causes choking in 17% of children younger than 10.
Silver-cheeked toadfish
The Lagocephalus sceleratus, or commonly known as the silver-cheeked toadfish, is very popular across the Mediterranean. However, this fish contains toxins in the liver and reproductive organs that can cause paralysis and death.
Durian
This exotic Southeast-Asian fruit has exceptionally bad smell. In Thailand, it’s considered a royal fruit. It’s extremely dangerous in combination with alcohol.
Bitter almond
There are large amounts of hydrogen cyanide in the nectar of the plant of bitter almonds. Consuming only seven to ten raw almonds can be fatal.
Rhubarb leaves
The bitter white-red root of this plant is an excellent addition to many unusual desserts, winter preserves as well as savory dishes. But its leaves often cause vomiting.
Red beans
Red beans contain a toxin, phytohemagglutinin. That’s why you have to boil them for at least ten minutes before consumption in order to destroy the poison.
Cashew
Raw cashews are dangerous because they contain urushiol, an oily organic allergen also found in poison ivy. They must be boiled before consumption. The store-bought cashews are pre-cooked.
Aronia
Aronia is safe for consumption provided it is well cooked. Consuming raw aronia can trigger diarrhea and weakness.
Apricot
Seeds of cherries, plums, peaches, apples and apricots contain chemicals that release cyanide in the body. However, only large amounts will pose a health risk.
Monkey brains
It may sound strange but this dish is very popular in Asia. It can be eaten cooked or baked, but it contains a virus that can be fatal.
Cassava root
This nutty-flavored root is a specialty in Latin America, but contains a large quantity of cyanide. When consumed raw or inadequately prepared, it can cause death.
Fesikh
This fish is a traditional Egyptian meal. It must be dried in the sun and salted at least a year before consumption.
Nomura’s jellyfish
This Japanese dish is highly toxic. This jellyfish can be eaten only if its toxic parts are removed adequately. Otherwise, it causes poisoning and death.
Casu Marzu cheese
Although not lethal, this Sardinian cheese is dangerous for the stomach. It seems as traditional Italian cheese at first, but it’s full of worms. EU has banned its use.
Hakarl
Iceland’s national dish is rotten shark meat that has been dried for six months. This shark doesn’t have a urinary tract, so the meat full of toxins.
African bullfrog
The skin and organs of this frog are extremely dangerous and toxic, but this dish is a real delicacy in Namibia. It can cause kidney damage and death.
Sannakji
Sannakiji is the most popular dish in Korea. It is made of pieces of live octopus served while still moving, so there is a great risk of choking.
Blood clams
Shanghai blood clams can be infected with hepatitis A and E. Although they’ve been forbidden since 1988, they are still found on illegal markets.
Fugu Puffer Fish
This Japanese fish is extremely poisonous. It contains tetrodoxin, which is 1,250 times stronger than cyanide, and for which there is no antidote. It can have fatal consequences.
