A health nutritionist at Thika Level Five Hospital has warned Thika residents against the dangers of eating cassavas that have not been prepared well.
Speaking in her office on Thursday in reference to the increasing sale of deep-fried cassava in various parts of Thika Town, Jane Macharia said that cassavas must be prepared correctly to avoid poisoning and eventual death.
"Cassava is one of the largest sources of low cost carbohydrates we have in Kenya. However, it is good to know that if not prepared well, it could be poisonous. We have heard of people dying after eating cassava roots,” said Macharia.
The nutritionist noted that some parts of the cassava roots contain a toxic substance which when eaten raw, or not well cooked could be poisonous.
"Cyanide poisoning is what characterises the deaths of patients who die after eating cassava. It is therefore wise if you are buying cassava as a snack from a local kiosk, you get to know how well it has been prepared,” she said.
She however noted that cassava poisoning deaths have not been reported at the facility in the near past.