BAROBO, SURIGAO DEL SUR — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga has issued a public warning after laboratory analysis revealed that shellfish samples collected from Lianga Bay in the coastal waters of Barobo, Surigao del Sur tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST).
According to the results of the Enzyme Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test conducted by BFAR Caraga, the public is strongly advised to refrain from gathering, selling, or consuming any type of shellfish (“kinhason”) and Acetes sp. or “alamang” from Lianga Bay to prevent possible shellfish poisoning.
The bureau emphasized that the advisory is a precautionary measure while awaiting the confirmatory test results from the BFAR Central Office.
BFAR also clarified that fish, crabs, and squid remain safe for consumption, provided that their entrails or internal organs are properly removed and cleaned before cooking and eating.
“As part of our mandate to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the shellfish industry, we are closely monitoring the affected area in coordination with the concerned local government units,” BFAR Caraga Regional Director Omnia B. Olama said in a statement.
The agency assured the public that it will continue to oversee the situation and issue updates once new laboratory results are available.
The presence of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in shellfish can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), a potentially fatal condition characterized by symptoms such as tingling of the lips and tongue, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing when contaminated shellfish are consumed.