BFAR: Shellfish from parts of Bohol, Zamboanga del Sur unsafe for eating

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public against shellfish consumption in some parts of Bohol and Zamboanga del Sur.

In its advisory on Tuesday, the BFAR said that shellfish samples from the coasts of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol and those from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur were found to be toxic.

“Shellfishes collected and tested from coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur are still POSITIVE for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit,” the advisory said.

According to health experts, symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include tingling of the lips and tongue, paralysis in limbs, and difficulty breathing, which may begin after eating the shellfish. Death may follow in less than 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs in the mentioned locations were safe, provided they were cleaned properly and internal organs were removed before consumption.

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