PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Health authorities are urging people in Trinidad and Tobago to refrain from eating Giant African Snails, amid newspaper reports that the snails were being consumed and becoming a delicacy.

“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 of Health said in a statement.

It warned that human beings may become infected by ingesting raw or inadequately cooked snails, adding that “infections in children tend to be of greater severity and are often fatal”.

The ministry said that the snails also can be reservoirs for bacteria such as Salmonella, which can be the cause of food poisoning and that improper handling or inadequate cooking 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,” said the ministry.

It is also advising people who collect snails as part of an integrated pest management programme to do so “with extreme caution”, and in accordance with guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.