BFAR warns vs. shellfish with paralytic poison in some parts of 5 provinces

Shellfish from parts of five island and coastal provinces are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison and not safe for human consumption, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

In a bulletin dated October 12, the BFAR warned the public that all types of shellfish and alamang in the following areas contain more than the regulatory limit of shellfish poison, making them unfit for harvest, selling, and consumption:

• Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay and coastal waters of Daram Island in Western Samar;
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar;
• Carigara Bay in Leyte; 
• Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay and Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; and
• coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate

Eating shellfish that have this type of poison can lead to fever, rash, drowsiness and numbness. In the most severe cases, consumption of toxic shellfish can lead to respiratory arrest within 24 hours.

Shellfish harvested from areas outside of these waters are safe for consumption.

The BFAR reminded the public that 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 intenstines are removed before cooking.

Coastal waters waters of Gigantes Islands in Carles Iloilo is now free of the toxic red tides. — MDM, GMA News