BFAR: Cebu still safe from red tide

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has assured that Cebu is still free from red tide but had advised the public to be vigilant of possible smuggled shellfish from affected areas.

Benjamin Tabios, officer-in-charge of the BFAR regional office, said they have already issued a shellfish ban in the coastal waters of Siaton, Negros Oriental after shellfish samples that were collected from the area showed positive results of red tide toxin.

Other areas that were found to have red tide contamination include Milagros in Masbate, Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental, Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon, Irong-Irong Bay in Samar and Bislig Bay in Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

Tabios advised the public to refrain from eating shellfish harvested from coastal waters of Siaton to avoid paralytic poisoning.

Cebu gets its supply of shellfish from Samar, Leyte, Negros, Bohol and Bantayan Island.

Cebu City is consistent in sending fish samples to the BFAR while restaurant operators regularly submit samples of the marine products they bought to determine if these are free from toxins.

However, marine products delivered to Cebu sometimes do not have auxiliary invoices, which determine if the products are safe or not.

While Masbate is the province closest to Central Visayas, BFAR officials said they do not have any reports of smuggled shellfish coming from the area.

The BFAR warned the public not to buy shellfish harvested from contaminated areas since they are not safe for human consumption.

Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, with the gills and intestines taken out before cooking.

Eating contaminated shellfish would result to vomiting, headaches and paralysis, in extreme cases, according to BFAR officials.

As first aid, victims are advised to drink coco milk and diluted sodium bicarbonate to induce vomiting. - Jasmin R. Uy