Improperly Processed Garri Could Cause Vision Problems – Aproko Doctor Warns

Nigerian medical doctor and popular social media health influencer Chinonso Egemba—widely known as Aproko Doctor—has issued a public health warning about the risks of consuming poorly processed garri, a staple made from cassava.

According to him, improper processing could lead to serious health issues, including potential blindness.

In a video shared on Monday, Dr. Egemba explained that cassava contains natural toxins known as cyanogenic glycosides, primarily linamarin and lotaustralin. When not properly processed, these compounds can convert into hydrogen cyanide—a toxic substance harmful to the human body in large amounts.

“This hydrogen cyanide can start to affect certain tissues in your body. And one of the things it can affect is your eye—the optic nerve and the retina,” he explained.

Citing scientific research, he noted that frequent garri consumption has been linked to reduced visual acuity, suggesting that those who regularly consume improperly processed garri may have poorer eyesight compared to those who don’t.

However, Dr. Egemba clarified that garri is safe when correctly processed. “During proper processing—the fermenting, drying, and all the processes involved—the hydrogen cyanide that is dangerous is reduced to the lowest amount possible. So if your garri is properly processed, it will not lead to blindness,” he assured.

He urged consumers to choose garri that is dry, crispy, and slightly sour—indications that proper fermentation and drying have taken place. Moist garri, he warned, could signal insufficient processing.

For added safety, he recommended buying only sealed, NAFDAC-approved products, stressing the importance of verifying the source and method of processing.

“The most important question you should be asking when it comes to your garri is: Who processed it? Was it processed properly?” he said, calling on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen oversight of garri sold in local markets.