Rebecca Manzi The toll is once again dramatic: 3 deaths, some deceased animals and 30 people hospitalized in the Philippines after eating a stew made from sea turtle meat
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Three members of the indigenous Teduray community in the Philippines have died, and more than 30 others were hospitalized after eating a stew made from sea turtle meat. The sea turtle is an endangered and protected species, and it was likely contaminated, causing the adverse reactions.
It took place in the coastal province of Maguindanao del Norte, where sea turtles’ consumption, despite being against the country’s environmental laws, is still common in many communities due to their traditions.
Contamination probably due to toxic algae
The symptoms presented by the victims included diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which started shortly after consumption of the dish. The stew was adobo-style, prepared with vinegar and soy sauce. It was even reported that dogs, cats, and chickens that consumed the meat died.
Authorities say the sea turtle had ingested toxic algae-a well-known phenomenon in which sea animals ingest harmful plants that produce toxins in their bodies and make their meat unsafe to eat.
Local authorities launched an investigation to confirm the exact cause of the deaths. In response, regional official Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr. has urged the strict enforcement of the ban on hunting sea turtles to prevent similar tragedies.
Similar tragedies continue to occur
This is not the first incident of its kind. In 2013, a similar case in Samar province highlighted the risks of consuming sea turtles. Earlier this year, a related tragedy unfolded in Zanzibar, where eight children and one adult died, and 78 people were hospitalized after eating sea turtle meat.
Sea turtles are regarded as a delicacy in some cultures, but their consumption is highly hazardous to health and further endangers already vulnerable species. This latest tragedy underlines the urgent need to raise awareness among communities about the ecological impact and health dangers associated with consuming protected animals, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future.
