Smart Woman - Everyday Hazards: Most Dangerous Foods

The average American consumes almost 2,000 pounds of food per year. We can't survive without it, but sometimes food can be hazardous, even lethal. It might look and taste good, but the food you eat could be dangerous! So what are the most dangerous foods?

First up: blowfish, a Japanese delicacy you can get at fine sushi restaurants. It's toxins are 1200 times more potent than cyanide; a single fish has enough poison to kill 30 people. The danger is in preparing it. Registered Dietician Pamela Legowski said "once you slice into it, that toxin is on the knife, and it is very deadly."  Another food hazard, wild mushrooms; the death cap contains several toxins and this past December four elderly people in California died after eating this lethal food.

Rhubarb leaves can also be lethal as they have high concentrations of oxalate, which causes poisoning when ingested in large doses. Ever wonder why we're told to keep potatoes in the dark? If they turn green they may have higher levels of solanine, a harmful compound. "So if you cut into your potato, and you see green, throw it out" said Pamela Legowski.

Hotdogs also made our list, but it's because of the choking risk. "So if you want hot dogs for younger children, just make sure you're cutting it vertically and then cutting it into smaller pieces" said Registered Dietician Tara Gidus. The last on our list: fruit seeds from cherries, apples, plums, almonds, and peaches can release hydrogen cyanide gas during ingestion. So don't overdo it. Foods that could be a danger to you!

A couple of runner-ups that almost made the list: raw meat. Gidus says your steak should never be red, but can be slightly pink, and the only way to know for sure if it's thoroughly cooked is with a food thermometer. If tapioca isn't processed properly, it can be toxic. Also, shellfish can be problematic, even life-threatening, for people who are allergic to it.