Pangasinan: Shellfish samples collected from the coastal towns of Anda and Bolinao have now tested negative for red tide toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Ilocos Region (BFAR-1) announced.

According to Philippines News Agency, the advisory was issued following the testing of shellfish meat collected from these two towns. The results indicate that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., commonly known as alamang, from the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan are free from the toxic red tide and are safe for human consumption. Consequently, shellfish harvesting and marketing activities in these areas have been permitted once again.

Previously, shellfish samples from Anda and Bolinao tested positive for the red tide toxin on January 15 of this year. At that time, the public was warned to avoid gathering, selling, and consuming all types of shellfish and Acetes to prevent possible paralytic shellfish poisoning.