Three dead and dozens sick from eating sea turtle stew

A multiple-fatality and injury incident occurred in the Philippines due to the consumption of turtle stew. According to the BBC, last week, dozens of Teduray indigenous people in a coastal town in northern Maguindanao province experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain after eating sea turtles.

Although the Philippines has explicitly banned the hunting and consumption of sea turtles, some communities still consider eating them a traditional delicacy. However, sea turtles feed on contaminated algae, which can produce toxins after cooking, posing a threat to human health.

In this incident, the endangered sea turtles were cooked into adobo, a traditional Filipino dish typically made by stewing meat and vegetables in vinegar and soy sauce. Authorities stated that at least 32 people were hospitalized after consuming the dish, but most have since been discharged. Furthermore, some dogs, cats, and chickens that ate the same turtle have also died.

Despite the Philippine ban on hunting or harming sea turtles, some indigenous communities still catch them for their eggs and meat, believing they have nourishing properties. Currently, an investigation into this fatal poisoning incident is underway.