Lab tests confirm cockles from Sungai Kuala Juru are safe, with heavy metals and biotoxins below legal limits, says JPNPP.
GEORGE TOWN: Laboratory analysis of cockle samples from Sungai Kuala Juru in Bukit Mertajam has found them to be safe for consumption and in compliance with national food safety standards.
The Penang State Department of Fisheries (JPNPP), in a statement, said laboratory tests showed that heavy metal content, including mercury, cadmium and lead, in the samples was below the maximum limits permitted under the Food Act 1983.
“The examination covered heavy metal parameters, water quality, plankton, and marine biotoxins. Biotoxin analysis using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method also recorded Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin levels at low and safe readings.
“Microscopic analysis of the water samples also confirmed the absence of toxic microalgae such as Alexandrium spp., Dinophysis spp. and Pseudo-nitzschia spp, which are associated with red tide phenomena,” the statement said.
JPNPP said ammonia and nitrate levels were also found to comply with the National Water Quality Standard Class IIA for the preservation of sensitive aquatic life.
The analysis was conducted by the Batu Maung Fisheries Research Institute (IPP), in collaboration with the Kuantan Fisheries Biosecurity Centre and the Selangor Fisheries Biosecurity Centre, following complaints of pollution from the local community.
Meanwhile, Penang Fisheries director Azimah Jumatli said the findings indicated that both the waters off Kuala Juru and marine products in the area remained at safe and controlled levels.
“The public need not panic as the analysis has confirmed that fishery resources in Kuala Juru remain safe for consumption and do not pose any risk to consumers’ health,” she said.
On May 12, about 100 cockle farmers and fishermen in Kampung Kuala Juru voiced concerns over Sungai Juru’s pollution, which they said has worsened over the past year and hurt their livelihoods.
Penang Consumer Association president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the pollution, suspected to be from industrial waste and shrimp farm discharge, has cut farmers’ and fishermen’s income by more than 50% following cockle and fish deaths in the river.
