Christ meant it literally, and nearly all his disciples left him for it. They did not misunderstand him, and he did not stop them to clarify that he was only speaking symbolically, because he meant what he said. He instead repeated himself adding "Very truly I tell you!" And they scattered.
Remember that Jews have a prohibition against consuming blood (ya know, that whole kosher meat thing), so when Christ told them to eat his flesh and drink his blood then they were appalled and scattered, and he did not stop them.
Yes, this teaching is radical, but God/Jesus is radical.
'On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (sounds familiar. Sounds like most of you.)
Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?"
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.'
So, does this offend
YOU?
Evidently it does offend most of you since you refuse to believe the Lord on this teaching, and you claim it as merely symbolic,, which it is not.
Stop denying the power of God.
Read it for yourselves, and quit denying Him:
John 6: 48-71 - I am the bread of life.