Three Dead and Dozens Sick After Eating Sea Turtle Stew.
Three people have died, and at least 32 others were hospitalized in the Philippines after consuming an endangered sea turtle cooked in stew.
The incident occurred in Datu Blah Sinsuat, a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province, where dozens of indigenous Teduray residents reported symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal spasms after eating the dish last week, local officials confirmed.
Despite environmental laws prohibiting the hunting or consumption of sea turtles in the Philippines, these marine creatures are still regarded as a traditional delicacy in some communities. However, sea turtles that ingest contaminated algae, even those appearing healthy, can become toxic when cooked and eaten.
According to local official Irene Dillo, several dogs, cats, and chickens fed the same sea turtle meat also died. Authorities are investigating the cause of the poisoning.
The sea turtle had been prepared as adobo, a popular Filipino dish made with meat and vegetables stewed in vinegar and soy sauce. Ms. Dillo lamented the tragedy, noting the abundance of other seafood in the area, such as lobsters and fish.
The residents who fell ill have mostly been discharged from the hospital, while the three deceased were buried immediately per local customs.
A History of Poisonings Linked to Sea Turtles.
This incident highlights the dangers of consuming sea turtles, which are protected under Philippine environmental laws. Most sea turtle species are classified as endangered, and hunting, harming, or collecting them is strictly prohibited. However, their flesh and eggs are still sought after in certain cultures, sometimes due to beliefs in their medicinal properties.
In 2013, a similar case occurred in Eastern Samar Province, where 68 people fell ill and four died after consuming a sea turtle.
Call to Action
Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr., a local councillor, has urged stricter enforcement of the ban on sea turtle hunting in the region, vowing to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This food poisoning incident will never happen again,” he pledge.
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