DAVAO CITY — Davao City councilor Peter Lavina warned that accredited tahong (mussel) traders in the city are violating the Anti-Red Tide Ordinance.
Lavina issued the warning in a press statement to warn mussel eaters as well as to protect consumers.
He said he received a report from the City Health Office dated May 2, 2007 that found the Davao Shellfishes Distributors and Vendors Association, Inc. was selling shellfish without undergoing the required laboratory tests to ensure the tahong were not infected with red tide toxins and other harmful bacteria.
The City Health Office recommended for the suspension of the operation of this group.
The Ordinance required accredited traders to maintain a laboratory and randomly tests shellfishes before they are released to the market.
Lavia commended the City Health for its vigilance. He said he trusts that the local government agencies task to implement the Ordinance shall implement the provisions of the local law. He said, otherwise ,the consumers are at risks.
He said that another accredited trader, APB Certified Shellfish International, was also recommended to suspend its operation pending its transfer to a new site. (PIA XI/prixdbanzon)
