While uncommon, there are instances globally where animals are consumed alive by humans, often rooted in cultural practices and culinary preferences.
In some parts of Asia, frogs are consumed alive, especially in dishes like ‘live frog sashimi’ in Japan and ‘san zhi er’ in China.
1. FROGS
Live octopus is a delicacy in some Asian countries, where it’s consumed raw and still moving, presenting a choking hazard.
2. OCTOPUS
In certain regions, particularly in Asia, monkey brains are considered a delicacy and are sometimes consumed while the monkey is still alive.
3. MONKEY BRAINS
The traditional Japanese dish ‘ikizukuri’ involves slicing a fish and serving it while it’s still alive, with its body twitching.
4. FISH
Similar to octopus, live squid is consumed in some cultures, often served as ‘sannakji’ in Korea, where the tentacles are still moving.
5. SQUID
Some people consume live shrimp in dishes like ‘drunken shrimp’, where the shrimp is soaked in liquor and consumed while still moving.
6. SHRIMP
In certain cultures, larvae and insects such as ants, bees, and grasshoppers are eaten alive or deep-fried. Thailand, for instance, considers deep-fried insects a favourite snack.
7. LARVAE AND INSECTS
The consumption of animals alive by humans, although rare, persists in various cultures worldwide, raising ethical and welfare concerns.