Emma Amit, 51, a Filipino food influencer, died in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, after consuming a toxic crustacean known locally as the “devil crab.” Reports link her death to potent neurotoxins — saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin — found in the shellfish. Amit fell ill after a social‑media harvest and died two days after consuming the crab.
The incident
On 4 February, Amit and friends were seen harvesting shellfish in a mangrove forest near her home. Footage later shared as part of a social‑media video showed her preparing a seafood bouillabaisse that included a sea snail and various shellfish. In the clip she is seen biting into a cooked sea snail and later consuming a devil crab that she had reportedly collected during the harvest.
The following day Amit became gravely ill. Neighbours reported she was convulsing while being taken to a local clinic, and she was later moved to a hospital where medics said her condition rapidly deteriorated. Staff noted her lips turned dark blue, a sign of severe oxygen deprivation, and she died two days after eating the crab.
Amit was a 51‑year‑old food influencer known for showcasing local seafood and culinary techniques in her online content. The footage of the harvest and preparation was intended to highlight her culinary expertise and passion for local seafood.
Toxicity, local response and tributes
Health experts and institutions note that the devil crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) can carry saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin, neurotoxins also found in pufferfish and other marine species. These substances interfere with nerve function and can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.
Laddy Gemang, chief of the village of Luzviminda, said bright shells of the devil crab were found in Amit’s trash and expressed confusion over her decision to eat the creature given her and her husband’s experience as fisherfolk. “They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that’s dangerous to eat,” Gemang said. “So why did she eat it? That is what I’m confused about.”
Friends paid tribute on social media. Beverly Villanueva described Amit’s death as “shocking and sudden,” writing, “You were like an older sister. I will miss you always.” Local officials urged residents to avoid consuming devil crabs; Gemang warned residents to be “doubly vigilant” and said, “Do not eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don’t gamble with your lives.”
Health authorities are monitoring Amit’s friends for symptoms of poisoning. The case highlights the dangers of consuming toxic seafood and the risks associated with content‑driven risk taking.
Photo credit: Luzviminda Satellite Clinic / Facebook
Image Referance: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/devil-crabs-deadly-toxins-saxitoxin-tetrodotoxin-kill-filipino-food-influencer-1778350