The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) detected toxic red tide in four areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

These are Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; and South Bais Bay in Negros Oriental.

According to BFAR, the shellfishes collected from these areas were tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit.

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption," it stated.

The Bureau noted that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs from red tide affected areas "are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking". Robina Asido/PHS