BFAR: Red tide alert over Balite Bay, Mandaon coast

Consumers will have to avoid shellfish gathered from Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental, and from the coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said.

 

In a June 22 shellfish bulletin, the BFAR said the waters there are positive for paralytic shellfish poison "beyond the regulatory limit."

 

The BFAR said shellfish and "alamang" gathered from these areas "are not safe for human consumption."

 

There should be no harvesting, selling, buying or eating of shellfish in the red tide-affected areas, BFAR also said.

 

Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption but have to be freshly caught and washed thoroughly, the BFAR added. Their internal organs such as gills and intestines should also be removed before cooking, the agency also said.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News