BFAR cautions public on "donsol," "lukot"

CEBU, Philippines – With two Lapu-Lapu City residents dead due to food poisoning by eating sea hare, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources yesterday advised the public to refrain from eating the marine gastropod mollusk commonly known as “donsol”.

BFAR-7 Assistant Director Allan Poquita said sea hares naturally possess toxic substances contained in the blue ink it secretes to drive away enemies. These substances are reportedly found on its skin.

The toxin may be tolerable to humans, Poquita said, but there reportedly are certain times when its toxicity level becomes high, which makes those with weak resistance vulnerable to its effects.

Poquita said this might have been the case of Abunjo Gulbe, 53, and Nerigen Rumbo, 10, who died the other day at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. The two, together with four other members of their family, were rushed to the hospital after suffering severe symptoms of food poisoning just hours after they shared “donsol” for dinner last Black Saturday.

Poquita said the fatalities might not have tolerated the toxin, considering that Gulbe was already of age while Rumbo, being so young, has not yet developed a strong body resistance.

The incident prompted investigation and a series of laboratory tests in Manila and while these are ongoing, Poquita said it would be better if the public would refrain from eating “donsol,”considering that its “absolute edibility” has yet to be proven.

The death of Gulbe and Rumbo was the first incident recorded that is related to poisoning by eating “donsol” but Poquita said the advise should be heeded seriously. 

Likewise, aside from the sea hare themselves, Poquita said the public must also be cautious in eating the so-called “lukot”, which are actually sea hare eggs. She said these secretions can also be toxic, especially when they are sprayed with the sea hare's defensive ink.

Meanwhile, BFAR clarified that there is no red tide occurrence in the coastal area barangay Soong in Lapu-Lapu City where the victims reside.

Poquita said the inspection team dispatched to the area found no boom of red algae, which causes red tide. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)