Red tide alert in Bataan
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, — Eight coastal areas in the province of Bataan yield positive results after being tested for red tide toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced.
BFAR Central Luzon OIC-Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said the shellfish ban is enforced in the City of Balanga, as well as the towns of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Orani, Abucay and Samal.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption,” Cruz warned.
“Based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last week, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from these areas range from 68-254/100g shellfish meat. This is significantly higher than the 60/100g tolerable limit,” Cruz said.
He reiterated however that fishes harvested from it are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. (PIA 3)
