Most of the hospitalized residents have already been discharged, while the three victims who died were immediately buried, as per local tradition.
At least three people died and 32 others were hospitalized after eating turtle stew last week in a coastal town in the Philippines’ Maguindanao del Norte province.
Dozens of indigenous people from the Teduray ethnic group manifested symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal spasms, according to the BBC.
Some of the dogs, cats and chickens that were fed the animal’s meat also died, local official Irene Dillo told the BBC, who said authorities were investigating.
Even though it is illegal to hunt or consume turtles under Philippine environmental protection laws, these animals continue to be consumed as a traditional delicacy in some communities. However, turtles that consume contaminated algae can be toxic when cooked and eaten.
The animal was cooked as part of an adobo, a Filipino dish of meat and vegetables braised in vinegar and soy sauce.
Most of the hospitalized residents have already been discharged, while the three victims who died were immediately buried, as per local tradition.
Most turtle species are classified as endangered and it is illegal to collect, harm or kill any of them in the Philippines. However, sea turtles are hunted in some cultures for their meat and eggs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
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