Philippine officials are urging caution after a food influencer reportedly died days after eating a toxic crustacean known locally as a “devil crab.”
According to reports, 51-year-old Emma Amit collapsed at her seaside home in Palawan province after filming herself eating shellfish she had gathered. She died two days later.
The incident reportedly took place on February 4 near Puerto Princesa, where Amit and friends were seen foraging for crabs and shellfish in a mangrove forest. In the footage, she cooked the seafood in coconut milk and sampled the catch on camera.
She reportedly became seriously ill the following day. Reports claim her lips turned dark blue as her condition worsened before she was rushed to hospital. Despite treatment, she died on February 6.
Food influencer dies days after eating “devil crab”
Authorities believe she may have consumed a poisonous crustacean known locally as a “devil crab,” which can carry dangerous neurotoxins.
Local official Laddy Gemang, chief of Luzviminda village, said the death was shocking given Amit’s background.
“This is really saddening because they should have known. She and her husband, they are both fisherfolk. They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that’s dangerous to eat. So why did she eat it? That is what I’m confused about,” he said.
Gemang warned residents not to consume unfamiliar seafood, stressing that similar incidents have already claimed lives in the area.
“To the residents of Puerto Princesa, I am urging you to be doubly vigilant. Do not eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don’t gamble with your lives.”
Officials are now reminding coastal communities to avoid eating marine animals unless they are certain the species is safe.
Amit’s death adds to a growing list of content creators who have died while filming food-related challenges.
In July 2024, a Chinese mukbang streamer died during a live broadcast after overeating.
In March 2025, Turkish TikTok creator Efecan Kultur, 24, died from obesity-related complications months after posting his final eating videos.
Later in 2025, Russian fitness coach Dmitry Nuyanzin died after attempting to consume 10,000 calories a day as part of a weight-loss challenge tied to his program.
While food content continues to dominate platforms like TikTok and YouTube, officials are warning that viral clips can carry very real risks, especially when involving wild or unfamiliar ingredients.
