17 of the most dangerous foods in the world

Joanna Fantozzi,Melissa WellsJan 14, 2024, 17:51 IST

Elderberries definitely don't look life-threatening, but don't judge this book by its cover.Khorzhevska/Shutterstock

From the poisonous to the hygienically unsafe, some foods could kill you — or at least make you very ill.
Sannakji is a Korean octopus dish served while it's still alive so it can suction to your throat.

When it comes to the world's most dangerous foods, you probably think of exotic delicacies that most people will never come in contact with. While a Korean octopus that fights back when you swallow it may fit that criteria, some of the worst food dangers are probably in your fridge or pantry right now.

From poisonous produce to hygienically unsafe dishes, we rounded up the 17 most dangerous foods in the world with some help from Dr. Keith Kantor, nutritionist and CEO of the Nutritional Addiction Mitigation Eating and Drinking program.

Keep scrolling at your own risk.

Don't chew on cherry seeds or pits for too long.

Cherry seeds and pits are poisonous! Who knew?ECOSY/Shutterstock

Fugu (pufferfish) is highly restricted in the US.

Fugu can be deadly.KPG-Payless/Shutterstock

Casu Marzu, a cheese fermented by maggots, isn't for the faint of heart — or stomach.

Casu Marzu.Gengis90/Shutterstock

Believe it or not, hot dogs can be deadly.

Be sure to chew slowly.Mario Tama/Getty Images

The humid conditions needed for alfalfa sprouts to grow are also perfect for germs to grow.

Raw sprouts of any kind are particularly dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women, and young children.Ildi Papp/Shutterstock

Sannakji can fight back after you eat it.

You do not want to get one of these suckers stuck in your throat.mnimage/Shutterstock

Shellfish can absorb dangerous bacteria from the sea.

Undercooked shellfish is a serious problem.Eduardo Frederiksen/Shutterstock

Unpasteurized cheese has been banned in the US because of the potential dangers.

Luckily, unpasteurized cheese is illegal in America.Picturepartners/Shutterstock

Bagels are more hazardous than you might have realized.

Cutting a bagel safely can be tricky business.Ms. Trouble Maker/Shutterstock

Green potatoes could be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.

Please wait until your potato ripens!Cyril Lutz/Shutterstock

Unripe ackee fruit can cause vomiting — or even death — after they're consumed.

Ackee not only looks strange but it's banned in America.Sevenstock Studio/Shutterstock

Green almonds or cashews are a no-no.

Raw almonds.mizy/Shutterstock

Raw kidney beans contain a toxic agent.

Cooked red kidney beans.Palokha Tetiana/Shutterstock

Hákarl, or fermented shark, is a delicacy that might be the last thing you ever eat if you're not careful.

Hákarl is an Icelandic dish.Irina Bortmann/Shutterstock

Rhubarb is a bright vegetable with a dark side.

Be careful not to cook or bake rhubarb leaves or face the life-threatening consequences.KarepaStock/Shutterstock

Cassava must be properly cooked, or you're in danger of being poisoned.

Whether you try sweet cassava or bitter cassava, the staple food isn't safe to consume in its entirety.Lazhko Svetlana/Shutterstock

Elderberries are deceptively innocent-looking.