BFAR detects red tide toxin in 4 coastal areas

Four coastal areas in the country were found to be positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Thursday. 

In its bulletin, the BFAR said red tide toxins were detected in shellfish collected and tested from the following areas:  

• Dauls and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• coastal waters of San Benito in Surigao

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas above are not safe for human consumption," BFAR warned. 

"Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," it added.

Meanwhile, the BFAR said the coastal area of Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City In Palawan is now free of toxic red tide. —Sundy Locus/KBK, GMA Integrated News