DOH: Fish from Taal Lake not safe for consumption

The Department of Health on Tuesday asked the public not to eat fish from the Taal Lake to prevent food poisoning.

DOH Assistant Secretary Ma. Francia Laxamana cited the threat of fishkill due to high sulfur content in the lake as a result of the eruption of Taal Volcano.

“Definitely meron po tayong mga advisory na lahat ng nanggagaling dyan sa area ng Taal at Batangas, dapat po talaga, wala nang bibili," Laxamana said at a news conference in Malacañang.

"Kasi hindi po natin maaasahan ‘yung safety ng ating mga mamamayan,” she added.

Eating contaminated fish may cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, Laxamana said.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, around 6,000 fish cages are at risk of being damaged, including tawilis and tilapia since fishkill is expected in Taal Lake due to high sulfur content brought by the volcanic eruption.

The BFAR has estimated the production loss at 15,033 metric tons. —NB, GMA News