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Health Warning – Marine Biotoxin in Shellfish
Health Warning – Marine Biotoxin in Shellfish
The Community and Public Health division of
Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning
advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish
harvested from the coastline between Motunau Beach and Akaroa Harbour.
Dr Daniel Williams, Canterbury District Health Board Medical Officer of Health, says routine tests on shellfish samples taken from Sumner Beach has shown levels of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins of up to 0.26 mg/kg.
“This is above the safe limit of 0.16 mg/kg set by the Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI). Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness,” Dr Williams says.
“Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten.
Dr Williams warns that cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.
“Symptoms of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning typically appear within half an hour and can last for 24 hours.”
Symptoms may include:
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
Dr Williams says Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents couldcontaminate the meat during the cooking process.
“If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone your usual General Practice team 24/7 and they can advise what to do with #carearoundtheclock. If it’s an emergency phone 111. You are also advised to contact Community and Public on (03) 362 1777 and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.”
Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly.
For more information:
• See map of the Canterbury warning
• Shellfish biotoxin alert webpage
• Subscribe to shellfish biotoxins to receive email alerts
• NOTE cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
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