Toxic red tide detected in shellfish in four areas — BFAR

Shellfish in at least four provinces are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Friday.

The BFAR said in an advisory that the shellfishes collected from the following bodies of water are not safe for human consumption:

• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• coastal waters of Leyte in Leyte
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar
• coastal waters of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay Province

However, the bureau said other types of seafood like fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs, that can be found in above mentioned areas are safe to be eaten provided that they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and internal organs are removed before cooking.

Further, the BFAR said that coastal waters of Daram Island in Samar are now free from toxic red tide.

Ingestion of a toxic shellfish due to red tide can affect the nervous system, with symptoms occurring within 30 minutes. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News