RED TIDE WARNING. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) releases a shellfish ban in nine coastal waters in the country on Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2023). This means all types of shellfish from these areas are not safe for human consumption due to toxic red tide. (Photo courtesy: BFAR)
MANILA – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned the public on Wednesday against the consumption of unsafe shellfish from nine coastal waters in the country.
In a bulletin, the BFAR said these include coastal waters of “Milagros in Masbate; coastal waters of Panay, President Roxas, and Pilar in Capiz; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Irong-irong, and San Pedro Bays in Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.”
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR said.
The BFAR released this year’s first shellfish bulletin after the collected samples tested positive for “paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide beyond regulatory limit.”
However, the BFAR clarified that the public may still eat other sea foods from these coastal areas, provided proper sanitation is practiced.
“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,” the BFAR added. (PNA)
