Garri Can Lead to Blindness — Aproko Doctor Warns

Popular Nigerian medical doctor and health advocate, Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has warned that consuming improperly processed garri may lead to vision problems, including blindness.

In a recent video shared across his social media platforms, Egemba explained that garri, which is made from cassava, can contain toxic compounds known as cyanogenic glycosides — specifically linamarin and lotaustralin. When these are not properly broken down during processing, they can convert into hydrogen cyanide, a harmful substance that, if ingested in large quantities over time, may damage sensitive organs like the eyes.

“This hydrogen cyanide can start to affect certain tissues in your body,” Egemba said. “One of the things it can affect is your eye—the optic nerve and the retina.”

He cited research suggesting a correlation between high consumption of garri and reduced visual sharpness, pointing out that individuals who regularly drink garri may have lower visual acuity than those who do not.

However, Egemba clarified that properly processed garri is safe and poses little to no risk. He emphasized the importance of traditional methods like fermentation and adequate drying, which help eliminate most of the harmful compounds from cassava before it is turned into garri.

“The danger isn’t in garri itself—it’s in how it’s processed,” he stressed. “If your garri is properly fermented and dried, the hydrogen cyanide that is dangerous is reduced to the lowest amount possible.”

To ensure safety, Egemba advised Nigerians to be more conscious of the garri they consume. He urged consumers to pay attention to its texture and smell, noting that properly dried and slightly sour garri is safer, while damp or odorless variants may indicate poor processing. He also recommended only purchasing garri that is sealed and certified by NAFDAC.