The food vlogging community is mourning the sudden death of Emma Amit, a 51-year-old Philippine content creator, after her latest culinary experiment with an exotic and highly toxic seafood ended in tragedy.
Emma, who had a large following on Instagram, filmed herself preparing and eating the devil crab, a venomous reef crustacean found in the Indo-Pacific, on February 4. In her video, she boiled the crab in coconut milk before consuming it—an act that would prove fatal.
According to reports, the devil crab contains lethal neurotoxins, including tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, which attack the nervous system and can cause paralysis or death within hours. There is no known antidote.
Shortly after consuming the crab, Emma collapsed and was rushed to a medical facility on Palawan Island. Despite efforts to save her, she passed away two days later. Local authorities have since issued warnings advising residents to avoid consuming devil crab and similar hazardous species.
This incident has sparked renewed debate about the responsibilities of food influencers. Millions of followers often rely on content creators to judge the safety and edibility of exotic ingredients. While adventurous content is engaging, Emma’s death underscores that influencers may lack the necessary knowledge in marine biology or food safety to guarantee the safety of such species.
Experts urge viewers and creators alike to conduct thorough research before attempting to consume unfamiliar foods. Even a quick search online could reveal the deadly risks associated with certain species and prevent similar tragedies.
Emma Amit’s passing, while deeply mourned, serves as a sobering reminder: no level of social media popularity can replace personal responsibility and caution when exploring unfamiliar foods. Her final video stands as an unintended but critical warning—always verify what you eat.
