No Red Tide in Central Luzon

The provinces of Bulacan, Zambales and Bataan remain free from paralytic shellfish poison, commonly known as red tide.

“The coastal waters of Bulacan in Manila Bay, Masinloc Bay in Zambales and coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal in Bataan are now free of the toxic red tide,” the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shellfish bulletin dated January 23 reported.  BFAR said shellfish from these areas can be gathered, harvested and sold in markets and are safe for human consumption.

Meanwhile, shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

All types of shellfish and acetes or alamang from the areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption.  F

ish, squids, shrimps and crabs are also safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)