Vendors at the Calasiao Public Market have stopped purchasing shellfish from Bataan and Cavite temporarily due to the oil spill affecting these areas.

Rosie Ferrer, a shellfish vendor, saw a significant reduction in her inventory. From a previous stock of 30 kilos of mussels sourced from various markets, she now has only half the amount.

"Matumal kasi tag-ulan kaya hindi mabili," Ferrer said.

She assured customers that the shellfish she sells are fresh and safe.

"Kapag hindi nakabuka, sariwang-sariwa... meron kaming papel na ipinapakita sa customer kung may red tide," Ferrer said.

The Market Division has intensified inspection of shellfish sold at the market following the reported oil spill affecting several Central Luzon provinces. 

Vendors are required to provide auxiliary invoices to verify the freshness of their products.

"Check natin at monitor. Everyday umiikot tayo upang sa ganun ay masiguro [na] ang mga product, lalo na ang shellfish, ay hindi makakapekto sa kalusugan," Teddy Tuliao, Calasiao Market Supervisor, said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) released a bulletin on August 1, 2024 confirming that shellfish from the Mariculture Zone in Western Pangasinan, as well as from Rosario and Sto. Tomas, La Union, are safe to eat.