ZANZIBAR, Tanzania – Tragedy struck Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago, where several people succumbed or fell ill after consuming sea turtle meat, authorities said recently. The island, known for considering turtle meat a delicacy, experienced the deaths of eight children and one adult, with 78 others requiring hospitalization due to chelonitoxism, a form of food poisoning.
Dr. Haji Bakari, the Mkoani District medical officer, revealed that the tragic event unfolded after the consumption of turtle meat on a fateful Tuesday. The mother of one of the deceased children lost her life on Friday due to the same poisoning that claimed the lives of her child.
Laboratory results confirmed that all victims had ingested sea turtle meat, prompting local authorities to issue warnings against the consumption of such delicacies. This feast turned fatal eerily echoed a similar incident in November 2021, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a 3-year-old, on the same island.
In response to the crisis, a disaster management team, led by Hamza Hassan Juma, was dispatched to Pemba Island. Juma urged caution against consuming sea turtle meat, emphasizing the grave consequences that can arise from indulging in this perilous cuisine.
The recent tragedy underlines the dangers associated with consuming certain exotic foods and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety. It also sheds light on the cultural significance and culinary practices in regions like Zanzibar, where traditional delicacies can sometimes carry unforeseen risks. The devastating impact of chelonitoxism on the community highlights the critical need for public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.