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At least three people were dead, and 32 others were hospit in the Philippines after eating an endangered sea turtle cooked in a stew. Officials said dozens of Indigenous Teduray people reported symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal spasms since eating the dish last week in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province.
Even though it is illegal to hunt or consume sea turtles under the Philippines’ environmental protection laws, the marine creatures are still eaten as a traditional delicacy in some communities.
"It was unfortunate because there is so much other seafood in their village—loups, fish," a local official, Irene Dillo, told the BBC that coastal town residents frequently get their food from the sea. Some dogs, cats, and chickens that were fed some of the dishes also died, Dillo said.
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What causes the accumulation of toxins in turtle meat?
Sea turtles are renowned for their longevity and resilience, but beneath their protective shells lies a complex biochemical defense mechanism.
Experts say sea turtles consume contaminated algae—including those that appear healthy—that can be highly toxic when cooked and eaten. These toxins, known as chelonitoxin—a naturally occurring biotoxin—lead to breathing difficulties, paralysis and even death in many severe cases.
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According to doctors, these kinds of chelonitoxism poisonings happen in a mass outbreak, as the consumption of turtles is often related to a group celebration. Children are the most susceptible to this type of poisoning, although everyone, including pets, who consume the contaminated turtle would be at risk.
Chelonitoxin food poisoning has also been documented to be passed to children through breast milk. Cooking turtle meat does not destroy the toxin; all parts of the turtle are potentially toxic.
Signs and symptoms of chelonitoxism
Symptoms of chelonitoxin poisoning may start as follows:
- Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Itching on the face
- Pain in the mouth and throat
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
Experts say diagnosis is often a challenge because the signs and symptoms will resemble other types of food poisoning.
How is chelonitoxism treated?
Doctors say the treatment measures include symptomatic and supportive care such as intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and respiratory support. There is no known antidote. To prevent chelonitoxism and promote conservation efforts, several countries have implemented regulations banning or restricting the harvesting, sale, and consumption of sea turtle meat.
In countries like India, the US, Australia, Mexico and Malaysia, several laws are in place prohibiting the consumption or hunting of certain species of sea turtles.