Sea turtle
The purchase, selling and importing of sea turtle products is illegal on the territory of the United States, as well as in many other countries around the world. In 1975, the FDA banned such practices due to the risk of becoming infected with turtle-associated salmonellosis but also to protect the sea turtle population which was dramatically affected by over-hunting and consumption.
According to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the sea turtles are a threatened and endangered species and their “take” (meaning “harassment, hunting, capture, killing or attempting to do any of these”) is a federal offense and shall be punished accordingly.
