The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources warned against the harvesting, sale, and consumption of shellfish from areas in Masbate, Bohol, and Davao Oriental.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) released on Wednesday (June 24) a red tide bulletin announcing that shellfish collected from certain areas in Masbate, Bohol, and Davao Oriental are not fit for human consumption.
According to BFAR and local government units, shellfish from the coastal waters of Mandaon, Masbate and from Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental remain positive for "paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond regulatory limit."
Laboratory results also showed that specimen collected from the coastal waters of Dauis in Bohol now have the red tide toxin.
While BFAR warned against the harvesting, sale, and consumption of shellfish and Acetes sp. (or tiny, krill-like prawns) from the mentioned areas, the bureau assured the public that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs "are safe for human consumption" as long as they are "fresh and washed thoroughly."
BFAR also advised the public another thing: To remove internal organs and gills before cooking.