The 10 Most Dangerous Foods People Actually Eat

10. Ortolan: A Controversial French Delicacy

Ortolan, a small songbird, is a controversial delicacy in France, where it is traditionally prepared by capturing the bird, fattening it in the dark, and then drowning it in Armagnac before roasting. The dish is eaten whole, bones and all, often with a napkin draped over the diner's head to capture the aromas and shield the act from view. The consumption of ortolan is steeped in ritual and has been described as a transcendent culinary experience by those who have tried it. However, eating ortolan is illegal in the European Union due to the bird's protected status and the inhumane preparation methods. Despite this, ortolan remains a symbol of French gastronomy and the lengths to which some will go to experience its reputed exquisite flavour. For those who have the opportunity to taste ortolan, the experience is a blend of indulgence and controversy, a reminder of the complex relationship between culinary tradition and modern ethics.