Experts assure public: Tilapia remains safe, clean, and lead-free

Tilapia lovers can breathe easy — their favorite fish remains safe to eat, experts affirmed during Tilapia Fiesta 2025, stressing that clean water and sustainable aquaculture practices keep lead contamination at bay.

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) President Dr. Evaristo Abella explained that lead content in tilapia depends entirely on its aquatic environment.

“Ang lead content ay nakadepende sa kalidad ng tubig. Kung malinis ang tubig, walang dahilan para magkaroon ng mataas na konsentrasyon ng lead sa tilapia,”

he told Daily Tribune at the event held from October 21 to 23.

While acknowledging potential risks in certain water bodies such as Laguna Lake, Dr. Abella assured that ongoing production activities indicate manageable levels.

“May fishpen pa rin sa Laguna Lake, at walang babala mula sa mga ahensya na ipinagbabawal ang pag-aalaga ng tilapia doon. Ibig sabihin, ligtas pa rin ito,” he added.

Proactive measures for safe harvests

Dr. Abella urged for regular water quality testing similar to protocols used in shellfish monitoring to prevent contamination.

“Dapat regular ang pagsusuri ng tubig para makaiwas sa kontaminasyon. Responsibilidad ng mga ahensya na maglabas ng babala kung may panganib,”

he said.

He also dismissed misconceptions about feeding practices in tilapia aquaculture.

“Hindi direktang pinapakain sa tilapia ang dumi ng kalabaw. Ginagamit ito para paramihin ang plankton, na siyang tunay na pagkain ng tilapia.”

Empowering farmers through innovation

The Tilapia Fiesta 2025 highlighted technology-driven initiatives to help farmers improve productivity.

PhilTilapia National President Florendo “Jon” G. Juico Jr. emphasized the importance of innovation.

“Kailangan nating suportahan ang mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng teknolohiya at pagbabahagi ng kaalaman,”

he said.

Dr. Abella also showcased CLSU’s techno-village program, a collaboration with local governments to support tilapia, poultry, and duck farmers.

“Nagkakaisa ang pitong miyembro ng consortium para magbahagi ng teknik at makabagong paraan,”

he added, citing its success in Nueva Ecija.

Combating misinformation

Both Dr. Abella and Juico called for stronger public information efforts to dispel myths about tilapia farming and safety.

“Dapat palakasin ang kampanya para mawala ang takot ng publiko. Ligtas at masustansya ang tilapia—iyan ang mensahe ng Tilapia Fiesta,”

Dr. Abella concluded.

A unified assurance

Through science-backed research and collaboration led by CLSU and the Central Luzon Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARDEC), alongside six regional consortia, the event reaffirmed tilapia’s role as a safe, affordable, and nutritious staple in Filipino households.