Food Vlogger Emma Amit Dies After Consuming Toxic ‘Devil Crab’ for Social Media Video

Manila, February 11: Popular food vlogger Emma Amit has died after consuming a highly poisonous reef crab, commonly known as the “devil crab,” while filming a social media video at her coastal residence in Palawan province, Philippines. The 51-year-old content creator, widely followed for her daring seafood experiments, reportedly fell seriously ill shortly after the on-camera tasting and later died from respiratory failure.

According to officials, Amit ate a Zosimus aeneus species crab, which is known to contain powerful neurotoxins. Despite being cooked, the crab proved lethal, as the toxins it carries are resistant to heat and cannot be neutralised through preparation. She was rushed to a nearby medical facility after her condition worsened but could not be saved.

The incident has sparked widespread concern within the digital content creation community, drawing attention to the growing risks associated with extreme food vlogging trends. During the recording, Amit appeared upbeat and calmly described the flavour and texture of the rare crab to her followers. However, shortly after finishing the meal, she experienced numbness in her lips and limbs—an early indicator of neurotoxin exposure.

Witnesses said her health declined rapidly. “She started having trouble breathing and then lost consciousness,” one person present at the scene said. Emergency services arrived within minutes, but the fast-acting toxins had already caused severe damage.

Marine biology experts explain that the devil crab contains tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, the same deadly substances found in pufferfish. These toxins interfere with nerve function by blocking sodium channels, leading to paralysis and eventual respiratory arrest. There is currently no known antidote for reef crab poisoning, and treatment is limited to life-support measures until the toxin exits the body naturally.

Authorities believe the toxin concentration in the crab consumed by Amit was strong enough to be fatal to multiple adults. Her death has renewed debate over the dangers of viral “extreme eating” content, which has previously resulted in serious illnesses and fatalities among influencers attempting to gain online attention.

Marine safety organisations have issued renewed warnings, particularly in regions where the species is commonly found. “This species should never be handled or consumed under any circumstances,” a fisheries official said. “It is not a ‘delicacy’, it is a biological hazard.”