ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public against eating shellfish coming from two provinces in Mindanao.
In an advisory Thursday, the BFAR said that shellfishes collected and tested from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur “are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulator limit.”
Dumanquillas and Lianga Bays are among the areas in the country that are positive for toxic red tide, it said.
Dumanquillas Bay is a body of saltwater and major source of food in Zamboanga Peninsula. Lianga Bay is also major food source in Surigao del Sur.
The other areas positive of toxic red tide are the coastal waters of Dauis town and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar.
The BFAR added that the coastal waters of Roxas City and Pilar town in Capiz are now positive for PSP.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR said in its shellfish bulletin.
“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” it added. (PNA)
