LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a local red tide advisory after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of red tide toxin (saxitoxin) in shellfish meat samples collected in the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan.
The BFAR, in an advisory dated Jan. 15, said samples tested positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins.
Authorities have implemented precautionary measures to protect public health while awaiting a national shellfish bulletin.
They advised the public to refrain from gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfish, including Acetes species, locally known as “alamang,” from affected areas.
But BFAR said that fish, squid, crabs, and shrimps remain safe to eat, provided they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and all internal organs are removed before cooking.
The agency continues to monitor the situation and urged local government units to enforce health and safety measures under the Local Government Code of 1991.
Residents were encouraged to be on alert and monitor official advisories to avoid possible health risks related to red tide exposure.