SHELLFISH harvested from the waters of Bolinao and Anda are currently contaminated by red tide and not safe for consumption.

Based on its monitoring, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued an advisory last week confirming that the waters of the two western Pangasinan towns are affected by the micro-organisms.

BFAR has imposed a ban in the gathering, transporting and sale of shellfish caught from the affected coastal towns.

At the same time, BFAR urged local government officials to require traders to present auxiliary invoices issued by fishery and local government officials in places of origin of their shipment to ensure that shellfish from Bolinao and Anda do not reach the markets.

BFAR Regional Director Nestor Domenden warned the public that red-tide contaminated shellfish poses health threats even if thoroughly cooked.

The poisonous organism, when ingested, could be fatal.

The symptoms of shellfish paralytic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains and partial paralysis on lips, face and other parts of the body.

FISH SAFE

Fish, on the other hand, from these areas remain safe to eat.

But the BFAR advises the public to wash these thoroughly and remove the internal organs before cooking and eating.

Domenden has assured the public that BFAR is continuously monitoring the situation in the two towns, and that the ban will be lifted after monitoring results turn negative thrice.

Meanwhile, shellfish vendors in Dagupan lamented the reported presence of red tide in Anda and Bolinao since consumers currently tend to completely avoid buying shellfish, including those sourced from areas free from red tide.

Another red-tide affected area in Luzon are Sorsogon in the Bicol Region.—LM

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