3 Central Luzon provinces free from red tide

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has identified the provinces of Bulacan, Zambales, and Bataan free from paralytic shellfish poison or most commonly known as Red Tide.

BFAR Shellfish Bulletin dated July 5 said, "The coastal waters of Bulacan in Manila Bay; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; and coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Oranic, Abucay and Samal in Bataan are now free of the toxic red tide."

BFAR said shellfish from the mentioned areas can now be gathered, harvested, and sold in markets and are safe for human consumption.

Shellfish collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Murcialagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; and Balita Bay, Mati Davao Oriental, and Milagros in Masbate are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

And all types of shellfish and Acetes ap or alamang from the areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption.

"Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," BFAR said. - PIA — ARA