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The 10 riskiest foods

TIMES Magazine has collected the top 10 most dangerous foods. Some of items on the list are quite surprising, while others are well-known threats.

Published: 02/23/2010 22:25
Here are the 10 riskiest foods you should be cautious to consume:
  1. Hot Dog
    According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, hot dogs are a choking hazard to children. About 17% of food-related asphyxiations in those younger than 10 are caused by hot dogs, according to a 41-state study.
  2. Fugu
    The intestines, ovaries and liver of fugu (or blowfish) contain a poison called tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide. Chefs must undergo 2-3 years of training to obtain a fugu-preparing license.
  3. Ackee
    The ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, can cause vomiting which can lead to coma or death. The unripe ackee contains a poison called hypoglycin, therefore preparers must wait until the fruit's protective pods turn red and open naturally. The edible part is the yellow arilli, which surround the toxic black seeds.
  4. Peanut
    According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, peanuts are the most common cause of food-allergy deaths.
  5. Leafy Greens
    Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, arugula and kale etc.) were listed as the riskiest foods of 2009. They might contaminated by a pathogen called Nirovirus, which is usually spread by unwashed hands. E. coli and salmonella can also contaminate leafy greens during the production phase if the greens come into contact with animal manure, contaminated water or wild animals.
  6. Rhubarb
    Ingesting a large amount of rhubarb leaves can cause poisoning. Neither cooked nor raw rhubarb leaves should be consumed, owing to the toxins they contain.
  7. Tuna
    When eating too much of tuna, the high levels of mercury the fish contains, can damage the nervous system and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tuna eaters are also at risk to fall prey to Scombroid, an illness caused by the toxins emitted from improperly refrigerating the fish.
  8. Cassava 
    If prepared incorrectly, the cassava plant - also called tapioca - can produce cyanide, a deadly compound when consumed. Besides, a small number of people are also allergic to the plant. Those with a latex rubber allergy might be more susceptible.
  9. Coffee
    Drinking coffee can increase your heart rate, prevent you from getting a good-night's sleep and discolor your teeth or it can also cause painful burns. 
     
  10. Mushrooms
    Apart from having hallucinogenic properties, mushrooms can also kill. Death Cap, Destroying Angels and Deadly Webcap are highly poisonous and consuming them can cause death.
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