The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Ilocos regional office (BFAR-1) has warned the public not to consume stale fish following an alleged food poisoning here.
In an advisory posted on Monday, BFAR Ilocos regional director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan enumerated the characteristics of fresh, quality, and safe for consumption fish products.
“Fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy, sour, or ammonia-like. Their eyes are crystal clear, plump, and moist. Gills are clean, red in color, and with no odor. Fins are wet and whole. The flesh is firm and intact. No protruding internal organs or flesh wounds,” she said.
Fish must be thoroughly cleaned and properly iced and kept refrigerated or frozen when not immediately cooked or consumed, she added.
“The public is hereby advised to be vigilant in buying fish and other fishery commodities or products,” she said.
Gaerlan said BFAR, together with the local government unit, shall continuously strengthen its monitoring and control of the transport or movement of fish and fishery products for traceability and food safety purposes.
The advisory was released following the reported alleged food poisoning incident that affected residents of Barangay Inirangan and Beleng in this town due to consumption of stale fish.
Source: Philippines News Agency
