Three people have died and more than 30 have been hospitalized after eating a dish of sea turtle meat in the Philippines, the BBC reported on Monday. Although hunting these animals is illegal, in some communities their meat and eggs are still a traditional delicacy.
Dozens of indigenous people on the Philippine island of Mindanao complained of symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting after eating turtle food last week in Datu Blah Sinsuat, a coastal town. According to local media, three people died and most of the 32 hospitalized people were discharged.
As local official Irene Dillo told the British station, some dogs, cats and chickens who were fed with the meat of the same turtle also ended in death.
Sea turtle meat was prepared as adobo. It is a popular Filipino dish consisting of various types of meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce.
A traditional delicacy
Although hunting and eating sea turtles is illegal under wildlife conservation laws in the Philippines, the meat and eggs of these animals are still a traditional delicacy in some communities. They are believed to contain medicinal properties.
Meat from turtles that eat contaminated marine algae, even when they appear healthy, could be dangerous to human health when cooked, writes the BBC.
Most sea turtle species are classified as endangered.
Sea turtleIllustrative photoShutterstock
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