“IT'S safe for consumption.”

This was stressed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Negros Occidental referring to the tons of mussels washed ashore the coastlines of San Enrique town starting Sunday night, July 10.

BFAR-Negros Occidental Officer-In-Charge Provincial Director Marian Jill Abeto said there are two species of mussels found in Negros Occidental, the green and brown mussels.

Abeto said those found at the shorelines of the town’s Barangay Tabao Baybay and Poblacion are brown mussels.

She explained that it is natural for these mussels to be washed ashore by the strong current as they are usually found on shallow waters.

It is not the first time that such an event had occurred in San Enrique.

Some residents said following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette in December last year, thousands of mussels have also been washed ashore at the same area.

Meanwhile, Abeto advised the public who are collecting the mussels to make sure that they are fresh.

They should clean them thoroughly before cooking and eating, she added.*