BFAR-13 advises against consuming shellfish in Litalit Bay due to toxins

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 13 issued an advisory on Thursday after detecting paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) in shellfish samples from Litalit Bay, San Benito, Surigao del Norte.

Shellfish meat samples tested positive for PST using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Residents are advised to avoid gathering, marketing, trading, and consuming all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. (alamang) from the affected area until further notice.

Consuming contaminated shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning with symptoms like tingling lips and tongue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

BFAR-13 confirmed that fish, crabs, and squid from the area are safe to eat if their entrails are removed and washed thoroughly.

The agency is collaborating with local government units to monitor public health and safeguard the shellfish industry while awaiting confirmatory test results.