Consumers were once again warned against the consumption of shellfish collected from at least seven areas in the country where toxic red tide has been detected.
The affected areas include the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Matarinao Bay in Zamboanga del Norte; Murcielagos Bay (Sapang Dalaga and Balingao) in Misamis Occidental; Balite Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.
Based on the latest laboratory results from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and concerned local government units (LGUs), shellfish collected from these coastal waters were still positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.
All types of shellfish and alamang gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption, the agency said.
Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs, on the other hand, are safe to be eaten provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, with the internal organs such as gills and intestines removed before cooking.