A 51-year-old food influencer, Emma Amit, has reportedly died after eating a venomous crustacean known locally as a “devil crab,” a species regarded as highly toxic.
According to local reports, Amit filmed herself consuming the brightly coloured crab after gathering shellfish in a mangrove forest near her home in Palawan Province, Philippines, on February 4. In the footage circulating online, she appears to eat the crab while smiling.
Less than a day later, she reportedly became seriously ill. Neighbours said she was later rushed to a hospital after her condition deteriorated. She was pronounced dead on February 6.
Community leader Laddy Gemang of Luzviminda Village confirmed that local officials visited her residence following the incident. He said discarded crab shells were found among her waste, some of which were believed to be devil crabs.
Gemang expressed concern over the circumstances, noting that Amit and her husband were known locally as experienced fishers familiar with marine life in the area. He urged residents not to consume the species, warning of its dangers.
Devil crabs, also referred to as toxic reef crabs, are found in coral reef environments across parts of the Indo-Pacific region.
Marine experts warn that some reef-dwelling crabs can accumulate potent neurotoxins from their diet, making them unsafe for human consumption.
In the Philippines, cases of poisoning linked to certain crab species have been reported, with some resulting in fatalities.
Authorities have not released a formal toxicology report publicly confirming the precise cause of death.
However, local officials are using the incident to reinforce public awareness about the risks associated with consuming unfamiliar or potentially poisonous marine species.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution and seek proper identification before eating wild-caught seafood.
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