Eastern visayas: The shellfish ban continues in Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar and the coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte, following recent laboratory tests confirming the presence of red tide toxins in shellfish and water samples.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that shellfish collected from Matarinao Bay, which includes the coastal towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo, tested positive for saxitoxin. This toxin is known to cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.
As a result, all types of shellfish and Acetes species, commonly referred to as alamang, from the region are deemed unsafe for human consumption. The coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte, also remain under a local red tide warning, with shellfish meat samples from the area testing positive for paralytic shellfish toxin.
BFAR has urged the public to refrain from gathering, selling, or consuming shellfish, alamang, and hipon from the affected waters to prevent health risks. However, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs remain safe to eat if they are fresh and properly cleaned. The recurrence of the red tide has been attributed to cysts activated by frequent rains.
Officials have clarified that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs caught in the affected areas are still safe for consumption, provided they are fresh. Consumers are advised to remove internal organs, such as intestines and gills, and thoroughly wash the seafood before cooking.
