What causes the severe, sometimes fatal food poisoning specifically known as chelonitoxism?
Answer
Toxins accumulated in the flesh from the turtle's diet.
Chelonitoxism is caused by toxins that the turtle accumulates in its flesh directly from its diet, distinguishing it from typical foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria or viruses.

Related Questions
What causes the severe, sometimes fatal food poisoning specifically known as chelonitoxism?Why is thorough cooking ineffective at neutralizing the toxins causing chelonitoxism?What is the initial symptom range experienced by victims of chelonitoxism?Beyond acute poisoning, what chronic toxicological risk is associated with consuming sea turtle meat?Why is the toxicology profile of sea turtles considered more volatile and unpredictable than many commonly consumed fish?Why does removing breeding adult sea turtles severely hinder population recovery?Why is establishing a reliable safety standard for harvested sea turtle meat nearly impossible, favoring prohibition?What is the futile attempt mentioned for reducing the acute toxin risk in sea turtle meat?What is the primary source generally understood to provide the acute toxins that cause chelonitoxism?Why must travelers be strongly advised against consuming sea turtle meat in regions where the practice occurs?