LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Shellfishes collected from the coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan are still not fit for human consumption being still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

This was contained in Shellfish Bulletin No. 15, Series of 2017 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) signed by BFAR director Eduardo Gongona.

The BFAR bulletin confirmed that shellfishes from the two coastal towns are still infected with the deadly red tide toxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning to anyone eating them even if they are cooked thoroughly.

All types of shellfishes and Acetes sp. or alamang, gathered from the two areas are still not safe for human consumption, the BFAR said.

However, Director Gongona said that fish, squid, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

The shellfish ban in both Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan started on April 8 and has not been lifted yet.

The BFAR, however, clarified that the coastal water of Alaminos City, Wawa, Bani; and Sual are free from toxic red tide.

Also spared from red tide are the coastal waters of Dagupan in which rivers fish farmers are raising oysters and mussels in semi-commercial scale. (PNA)