Suspected food poisoning from seashells under probe in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The City Health Office launched an investigation on Wednesday into a suspected case of food poisoning after six out of 10 family members in Barangay Singcang-Airport fell ill following a shared meal.

According to the City Health Office report, the family had prepared and eaten clam soup made from collected seashells for lunch on March 20.

Later that evening, a 44-year-old mother and five other family members — aged 25, 21, 20, and two minors aged 6 and 17 — began experiencing symptoms such as watery yellowish stools, vomiting, and headaches.

These symptoms continued throughout the weekend.

By March 22, three of the affected individuals sought medical treatment at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

Two were admitted for further care, while one was treated as an outpatient.

As of March 25, one patient remains hospitalized.

Shellfish-related food poisoning can be caused by bacterial contamination, naturally occurring biotoxins, or harmful algal blooms that contaminate bivalve mollusks such as clams, mussels, and oysters. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regularly issues advisories warning the public against harvesting shellfish from areas where red tide or other harmful algal blooms have been detected.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the City Health Office collected specimen samples from those experiencing diarrhea and recommended stool examinations.

Rectal swabs were also obtained from other family members.

Notably, two individuals who consumed the meal did not show any symptoms.

Those affected were provided with oral rehydration solutions and appropriate medications.

The City Health Office also advised on water sanitation, disinfection, proper hygiene practices, safe food handling, and proper waste disposal to prevent similar incidents.