A Nigerian woman, identified as Ruth, has ignited a firestorm on social media after posting a video of herself eating a cooked frog in a soup at a restaurant in China, proudly declaring she is the “first Nigerian to eat frog in China.”
In the now-viral clip, Ruth struggles with chopsticks, humorously vowing to “behave like Chinese” while in China. “Congratulations to me, guys. I’m the first Nigerian to eat a frog in China. Oh my god, let’s try it… As I’m in China, I go behave like a Chinese person. Una go give me a Chinese name,” she said, laughing. She later admitted the chopsticks were “stressing me” and considered giving up.
However, her culinary adventure has been met with fierce backlash. Many Nigerians, citing the ongoing Ebola outbreak and other viral threats, have called on the Federal Ministry of Health to ban Ruth from re-entering Nigeria unless she undergoes a strict quarantine.
“She should not be allowed back until she is fully screened. Eating exotic animals in a region with active viruses is reckless,” one user wrote. Others defended her, arguing that trying local food is part of cultural immersion.
Woman sparks outrage after eating frog in China amid virus fears
Health experts warn that while frog meat itself may not be a major vector, the handling and consumption of unfamiliar wildlife in areas with poor hygiene standards could pose risks.
The Ministry of Health has not yet issued a statement.
Ruth remains in China as the debate rages online. Whether she will face quarantine upon return or be celebrated as a daring food explorer remains to be seen.
