BFAR warns against eating shellfish from Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - The government-run Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region I is warning against eating shellfish from Anda and Bolinao towns in Pangasinan as coastal waters in these areas are now positive of red tide toxin.

BFAR-Region 1 Director Nestor Domenden said ‘all types of shellfish and “alamang” (tiny shrimp or krill) harvested from the two towns are not safe for humans.

A red tide monitoring of BFAR where shellfish samples collected from the waters of Bolinao and Anda were found positive for red tide toxin as it exceeded the regulatory limit of 60 micrograms per 100 grams of shellfish meat.

BFAR said fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

BFAR is reportedly on its toes in monitoring the coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao to safeguard public health and protect the fishery industry.