Most Dangerous Street Food

2 Sep,2024

Credit: Pixabay

What It Is: Fugu is a pufferfish that contains lethal amounts of tetrodotoxin in its organs, particularly the liver and ovaries. Risk: The poison is 1,200 times more toxic than cyanide. If not prepared correctly by a licensed and highly trained chef, consuming fugu can lead to severe poisoning or death.

Credit: Google

Fugu (Japan)

What It Is: A popular street food in many countries, hot dogs are made from processed meats. Risk: Choking hazard, particularly for children. Additionally, poor storage or preparation can lead to foodborne illnesses like Listeria and Salmonella.

Credit: Google

Hot Dogs (United States)

What It Is: A fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten with the embryo partially developed. Risk: If not prepared and stored properly, it can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella. The visual and textural challenge can also be a shock for some people.

Credit: Google

Balut (Philippines)

What It Is: A fruit that, when unripe, contains toxins called hypoglycin A and B, which can lead to vomiting sickness. Risk: Consuming unripe ackee or improperly prepared ackee can cause "Jamaican Vomiting Sickness," which can be fatal.

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Ackee (Jamaica)

What It Is: A sausage made from animal blood, often with other ingredients like fat and oatmeal. Risk: If the blood is not handled correctly, it can carry pathogens like E. coli, Hepatitis, and other harmful bacteria.

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Blood Sausage (Various Countries)

What It Is: A traditional Inuit food made by fermenting seabirds inside a seal carcass for several months. Risk: There is a risk of botulism if the fermentation process is not done correctly in cold temperatures.

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Kiviak (Greenland)

What It Is: Raw oysters are often served on the half shell with various condiments. Risk: Oysters can carry harmful bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus and norovirus, especially if harvested from polluted waters or stored improperly.

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Raw Oysters (Various Countries)

What It Is: Live octopus that is cut into small pieces and served immediately. Risk: The suction cups on the tentacles remain active even after being cut, posing a choking hazard as they can stick to the throat if not chewed properly.

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Sannakji (Korea)

What It Is: A root vegetable that is a staple in many tropical countries. Risk: Contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide. If not cooked properly, it can lead to cyanide poisoning.

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Cassava (Africa, South America, and Asia)

What It Is: A delicacy in some parts of Namibia, these frogs are cooked and eaten whole. Risk: If not cooked properly, the frog can contain toxic substances that can lead to kidney failure.

Credit: Google

Giant Bullfrog (Namibia)