How to spot if galunggong is covered in plastic? Fry or grill it, BFAR says

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Sunday advised the public to try frying or grilling galunggong to see for themselves if it is covered in plastic, as the viral videos apparently show.

BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona made the remark as he reiterated that it is "very unlikely" that the galunggong in the videos were covered in plastic.

In a Super Radyo interview, Gongona said those who are doubtful of the supposed galunggong covered in plastic should inform BFAR about it right away.

"Kung gusto niyo ma-check on your own, kung meron man, iprito niyo o ihawin niyo, or ilagay niyo sa microwave. Mangangamoy siya ng plastic kung may plastic siya. Pero kung hindi naman, that's protective coating ng isang isda for survival," Gongona added.

Videos of galunggong apparently covered in plastic have become viral over the past few days.

In one of these videos, a fish bought at a market in Daraga, Albay appeared to be covered in transparent wrapper.

Gongona said they are still looking into the incident, but he said it is very unlikely because covering the fish in plastic is an added cost to its preparation for selling.

He gave the assurance that perishable goods are checked carefully by the BFAR before they are delivered to the market.

"For now, sinasabi namin sa mamamayan, 'yung mga imported na items, perishable goods gaya ng isda, nasa Customs zone pa lang 'yan ay chine-check na ng BFAR and other agencies concerned sa food safety. And we see to it na bago pa dumating 'yan sa wet market ay hindi makakasira sa kalusugan," Gongona pointed out. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News