Shellfish from Carles, Iloilo still not safe for consumption – BFAR

All types of shellfish and “alamang” or shrimp fry gathered from the coastal waters of Gigantes Island in the town of Carles, Iloilo are still not safe for human consumption.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the area remained positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide.

However, the agency said that other seafood, such as fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs, are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly.

Aquatic microorganisms causing PSP are also present in Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz, Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); and the coastal waters of Panay, Pilar, President Roxas and Roxas City in Capiz.

Symptoms of PSP, according to BFAR’s Fisheries Resources Management Division, include headache, dizziness and nausea. In severe cases, people who consumed the toxins may experience muscular paralysis and respiratory difficulty within five to 12 hours.

These usually take place within 30 minutes. Reactions include tingling, first in the lips and tongue, spreading to the face, neck, fingertips and toes.IMT