LINGAYEN — Provincial Health Officer Jackson Soriano on Friday asked the people not to eat any food (fish or meat) that is showing signs of decomposition.

Soriano made the call following reports that about 121 persons, majority from Alaminos City, were treated for food allergy/food reaction after eating daing na bangus (dried milk fish).

Of the total number of victims, 104 were treated at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital while 17 were brought to private hospitals in Alaminos City and Bolinao.

Soriano said the victims suffered from food poisoning manifested by allergic reaction. He said the victims ate dried bangus they themselves prepared.

“They (victims) stocked and dried bangus,” he said.

He warned that daing na bangus (even if soaked in vinegar and salt preparation) is only good for 24 hours if not frozen.

“Although vinegar is acidic, it is not a preservative. Thus, it is not an assurance that the fish would last long,” he stated. (LCMY/Sunnex)