The City Veterinarians Office (CVO) assured Davaoeños that all shellfish sold in public markets are free from the deadly red tide toxins.
Meat, Livestock, and Fish Inspection Division head Clarita Tellano said on Tuesday that “prior to its distribution, it underwent a series of testing to evaluate red tide toxin levels. Before it was transported from Jiabong (a town in Samar island in the Visayas), they have auxiliary permits which will prove that it is free from toxins.”
The city gets its shellfish from Jiabong, Samar which are all directly sent to Bankerohan. Although red tide alert is still up in San Pedro Bay in Samar, the local government was quick to form an alliance to resolve red tide problems and to prevent its spread to other areas.
The city sources 6,000 to 10,000 kg of mussels every month and these undergo regular inspection.
Shellfish without auxiliary permits are confiscated.
CVO is also ensuring that no shellfish from Santa Maria in Davao Occidental and Balite Bay in Davao Oriental are transported into the city. These areas were recently declared by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI as positive for red tide toxins.
