Health Ministry: Don't eat African snails

THE Health Ministry has warned members of the public not to eat giant African snails.

In a statement on January 24, the ministry said, "The giant African snail is known to be a major reservoir host for the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which may cause meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord)."

The ministry said people might become infected by eating raw or inadequately cooked snails.

Infections in children tend to be more severe and are often fatal.

The ministry said, "Snails can also harbour bacteria such as salmonella, which can be the cause of food poisoning"

Improper handling or inadequate cooking, the ministry continued, can lead to bacterial contamination.

"Some giant African snails, because of their feeding habits, might feed on plants or chemicals that could leave toxic residues in their bodies, potentially making them harmful if consumed. These toxins are not removed by any preparation or cooking."

The ministry also encouraged people who collected snails as part of an integrated pest management programme "to do so with extreme caution as previously outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries."