Consuming sea turtle meat, especially from the organs, can be extremely dangerous and can be potentially fatal due to the presence of Chelonitoxin.
3 Died and 32 Hospitalized After Consuming Endangered Sea Turtle
Three individuals died, and 32 others have been hospitalized after consuming a stew made from an endangered sea turtle in the Philippines, BBC reports. The incident occurred in a coastal town in Maguindanao Del Norte Province, where members of the indigenous Teduray community began suffering from symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps after eating the dish.
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Hunting and eating sea turtles are illegal under Philippine environmental protection laws. These marine creatures continue to be eaten in some communities where they are considered a traditional delicacy. Consuming sea turtle meat, especially from the organs, can be extremely dangerous and can be potentially fatal due to the presence of Chelonitoxin, a natural toxin often found in the creatures.
This toxin is believed to originate from algae that the turtles consume. For this reason, eating their meat or fat can result in severe poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, death as well. The exact cause of the poisoning remains unclear in this case, but experts from the Turtle Foundation suggest the toxic algae consumed by sea turtles may be the reason.
Local authorities, have reported that other animals, such as dogs, cats, and chickens, that were fed the same sea turtle meat also died. Investigations into the cause of the deaths are still going on. While many of the affected residents have been discharged from the hospital once their health condition improved. Though the three fatalities were buried in accordance with local traditions. Councilor Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr. emphasized the importance of enforcing the ban on hunting sea turtles in the area. He gave a statement stating that, “This food poisoning incident will never happen again.”
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This incident from Philippines follows a similar tragedy earlier this year on Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar archipelago. Where eight children and one adult died after consuming sea turtle meat. Additionally, 78 others were hospitalized. Similar cases have also been reported in places like Indonesia, Micronesia, and India’s Indian Ocean islands. To date, there is no known antidote for the poisoning caused by consuming sea turtle meat.
