Shellfish from the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan have tested positive for red tide toxin, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Ilocos Region.
“As a precautionary measure, concerned local government units are advised to require their market inspectors, quarantine officers, and administrators to demand traders for auxiliary invoice from the point of origin or local transport permit issued by BFAR for all fish and fishery products including seashells unloaded and marketed to ensure that it did not come from areas positive of paralytic shellfish poisoning,” BFAR Ilocos Region director Rosario
Segundina Gaerlan said in a statement issued Thursday.
BFAR clarified that fish, squid, crabs, and shrimp remain safe for consumption as long as they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and properly cooked.
The public is warned against collecting, selling, or eating any shellfish or “alamang” (small shrimp) from the affected areas to avoid paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Anda municipal agriculturist Elizabeth Tomas, in an interview on Friday, said they have set up checkpoints at Anda bridge 24 hours a day to monitor.
“The personnel in-charge in the checkpoint will check and will only allow seafood products with auxiliary invoice to be transported outside of the town and local travel permit for products entering Anda,” she said in Filipino.
Shellfish from local shores are strictly prohibited from sale or transport.
Violators will receive a warning for the first offense; repeat offenses will result in confiscation and disposal of the shellfish.
By Hilda Austria
(PNA)