Should the hadith (prophetic report) about eating seven dates be taken literally?

Short Answer

No.

What the Prophet Said

“Whoever eats seven ‘ajwah dates in the morning will not be harmed by any poison or witchcraft that day.” [Bukhari #5445, Muslim #2047]

What the Scholars Said

Ibn ul-Qayyim: “This hadith is addressed to a specific audience such as the people of Madinah and those living in that area.” [Zad ul-Ma‘ad 4:90]