Galunggong ‘covering’ not plastic but ‘keratinous layer,’ says BFAR

Tests done on sample galunggong conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) showed the fish was not covered with plastic, but with a "keratinous layer."

"Iyong natanggal po natin na skin ay hindi po siya plastic, keratinous layer po siya kaya mukha siyang plastic," Cyndy dela Cruz, BFAR veterinarian in the report of Susan Enriquez on GMA's "24 Oras."

Over the weekend, videos came out showing a fish bought at a market in Daraga, Albay that appeared to be covered in transparent wrapper.

To test the presence of plastic, BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona placed several pieces inside the microwave oven and heated the fish.

"Kung plastic 'yan, nangamoy na 'yan," Gongona said. "At saka very impractical na lagyan mo ng plastic isa-isa."

Gongona surmised the rumors were linked to competition in the market.

"Dahil open nga ang importation, baka magkaroon ng lamangan o price war.  Baka i-take advantage ng iba, ...sasabihin nila, may plastic iyong ibang ini-import," he said.

The BFAR chief said the public has no cause for worry about the galunggong in the market.

"Walang dapat cause for alarm kasi tayong kumakain ng isda at bumibili sa palengke kung meron mang doubt, sabihan agad iyong BFAR," he said. —LDF, GMA News