BALANGA CITY, Bataan- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported yesterday that the red tide toxin along the coastal areas in Bataan , Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
In its latest bulletin, Atty. Asig Perez, Director of BFAR, said that based on latest laboratory results taken by BFAR and local government units, shellfish collected from coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay, Orion ,Pilar, Balanga City Samal, Orani and Abucay in Bataan are still positive for poison.
BFAR said all types of shellfish and acetes or alamang, gathered from these areas are still not safe for human consumption but it added that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat provided these are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Imelda Nieto, BFAR provincial chief, told this correspondent that the toxicity level of shellfish is still 800mg, which is still way above the 60mg tolerable level. ”Meeron pang red tide, kailangan kasing three consecutive na negative results ang maitala bago pwedeng i lift and red tide ban,” pointed out Nieto,
BFAR is appealing to the public to refrain from gathering and eating shellfish from seven towns and one city along the coastal waters of Bataan as red tide toxin, which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in the area.
Newsmen based here, however, noted that there are still vendors selling shellfish such as tahong and oyster as of Friday in Pilar town.
