Three people have died, and at least 32 others were admitted to hospital in the Philippines after consuming a stew made from an endangered sea turtle.
The dish, prepared last week in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province, caused dozens of indigenous Teduray villagers to suffer symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, according to local officials.
Although hunting or eating sea turtles is prohibited under the country’s environmental laws, these marine animals remain a traditional delicacy in some communities.
However, sea turtles that consume contaminated algae can become toxic to humans, even if they appear healthy. Irene Dillo, a local official said that some dogs, cats, and chickens fed portions of the same sea turtle also died. She confirmed that an investigation into the deaths is underway.
The sea turtle was prepared as adobo, a well-loved Filipino dish made with meat or vegetables cooked in vinegar and soy sauce.
Residents of Datu…