Ben Madilynn
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, (BFAR), has recently issued a caution against eating poisonous crabs. The announcement was made after several reports of people getting food poisoning from eating these crabs. BFAR stressed the importance of caution when buying and consuming crabs in order to avoid any potential health risks.
It is important that consumers are vigilant when identifying poisonous and edible crabs. BFAR stated that the poisonous crabs tend to be small and reddish-brownish in color. They tend to live in mangroves and muddy places, which are breeding grounds for bacteria and toxic substances. Cooking crabs thoroughly before eating is important, as it can neutralize any toxins in the meat. BFAR urges consumers to buy crabs only from reputable suppliers to ensure safety and avoid potential health hazards.
BFAR’s warning to consumers against consuming poisonous crabs should serve as a vital reminder that caution is needed when purchasing or preparing seafood. To protect oneself from the health risks of contaminated crabs, it is important to be aware of their characteristics and follow proper cooking methods. It is vital to follow BFAR’s advice and stay informed to ensure that one can enjoy crabs without compromising their health.
The agricultural department has regional offices throughout the country. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public about consuming certain types or crabs. “kasag” Toxic risks are a concern.
On Saturday, July 8, BFAR-Region 9 released an infographic featuring the two crab species. Zosimus aureus You can also find out more about the following: Atergatis floridusThe toxins that they claim are toxic to humans
Zosimus Aeneus, also called the Devil Crab or reef crab crab. Meanwhile, Atergatis floridus is known as the floral egg crab.
“Huwag kumain ng ganitong uri ng ‘kasag,'” In its infographic, BFAR-Region 9 stated.
The bureau identified the “kagang,” “kuray,” You can also find out more about the following: “kalas-kalas.”
It added that the Zosimus aeneus’ meat and shell have a “significant concentration of neurotoxins including tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin.”
The Atergatis floridus, on the other hand, has a shell and meat that contain “tetrodotoxin and gonyautoxins.”
According to BFAR-9 these are the symptoms that poisoning can cause:
- Numbness in the tongue and surrounding lips
- Difficulty Breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Vomiting, drooling and thirst
- Dizziness
- Changes in taste
- Blurry vision
- Headache
- Diarrhea with stomach pain
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- Paralysis of the muscles to such an extreme degree that it can cause death or loss of consciousness
The bureau advised that anyone experiencing any of the symptoms listed should go to the nearest hospital.
The Bureau credited the source to BFAR-Region 1
The warning was issued after BFAR-Region 9 offered its services on Saturday. “sincerest condolences” After a resident of Liloy in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, died after eating devil crab. His family members were also hospitalized at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.
The bureau stated that the public should refrain from eating the floral egg crab as well.
“Studies revealed that these species of crabs were known to be containing significant concentrations of neurotoxins including Tetrodotoxin (TTX), the chemical compound responsible for the toxicity of Puffer Fish or ‘butete’ and Saxitoxin (STX), known to be paralytic shellfish toxin commonly associated with Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) due to the phenomenon called Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB),” It added.
The bureau has also stated that “no amount of cooking or heating can destroy or remove” The toxins present in these crab species.
“Hence, the bureau would like to continually warn the general public not to gather and consume these types of crabs from the wild to avoid any repeated unfortunate circumstance and further advises to only buy and consume fish and other fishery produce from legitimate sources in public markets and establishments,” It added.
The office shared photos of crabs that are not to be eaten.
Below are images of the Devil Crab:
The Bureau said that the devil crab “has distinctive patterns of brownish blotches on a paler background.”
This is how the floral egg-crab looks:
The Bureau said that it has “an oval, relatively narrow carapace which has a smooth surface and smooth margins.”
“The carapace is greenish or greenish-blue-brown and is marked with a pattern which resembles lace and is made up of a fine network of fine white or yellow white lines, resembling a shawl,” It added.
“It has large claws which are equal sizes and which are smooth with black spoon-shaped tips and which may be larger in males than females,” Further, it was said.
The floral egg crab and devil crab can be found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa up to Hawaii.
