BFAR warns vs. shellfish with paralytic poison in 7 provinces

Shellfish from parts of seven 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 September 29, 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;
• Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental;
• Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay and Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan;
• Coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo;
• 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.

Shellfish include crustaceans such as shrimp, crab and lobster, and mollusks such as clams, mussels, oysters and scallops.

But shrimps and crabs are safe as long as they're fresh and washed and prepared properly, the BFAR said.

The BFAR said, "Fish, squid, 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." — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/MDM, GMA News