Questionable delicacy: Several dead after eating turtle meat

Philippines - Many people would recoil at the mere thought of eating the meat of a sea turtle. In the Philippines, however, it is considered a delicacy by some peoples - despite being banned. A recent accident in a coastal town in the province of Maguindanao del Norte shows why it is better to avoid such questionable dishes.

Last week, a group of indigenous people prepared a stew from an endangered sea turtle to feast on together.

A short time later, dozens of them complained of diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, reports the BBC. Some turtles can become poisonous themselves by eating contaminated algae - even though they themselves look perfectly healthy.

In the end, three people even died from poisoning by the turtle meat. Some of the animals that had been given some did not survive either.

Fortunately, most of the residents were able to be discharged from hospital. "This food poisoning incident will never happen again," said Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr, a local councillor.

He had instructed local officials to strictly enforce the hunting ban. Catching and eating the turtles is prohibited under Philippine law.

Most of the sea turtle species are generally considered endangered, as it is common practice in some cultures to hunt them for their meat and eggs, which are said to have medicinal properties.