Business · Philippines Bureau
BFAR warns Leyte residents against shellfish consumption amid red tide
Philippine fisheries authorities have issued a red tide advisory for coastal waters off Leyte town after detecting paralytic shellfish toxin in local samples. The public has been warned not to gather, sell, or consume shellfish from the affected area.
LSN Philippines ·
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced the localized red tide warning for Leyte's coastal waters following laboratory analysis of shellfish samples collected from the region. The tests confirmed the presence of paralytic shellfish toxin, a naturally occurring marine biotoxin that can cause serious illness in humans who consume contaminated shellfish.
Authorities have prohibited the gathering, trading, and consumption of all shellfish varieties from the affected waters to prevent potential poisoning cases. The advisory is in effect until further notice, with BFAR officials to conduct ongoing monitoring of the area.
Red tide events, caused by harmful algal blooms, periodically affect Philippine waters and pose significant public health risks. Paralytic shellfish poisoning can cause numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis. Residents and vendors in the area are urged to comply with the warning to avoid health complications.
BFAR has called on the local government unit and health authorities to disseminate information about the advisory to ensure public awareness and safety.