Media Release

24 August 2007

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING: FOR THE TARANAKI AREA
FROM KAWHIA (NOT INCLUDING KAWHIA HARBOUR) IN WAIKATO
TO NORTH MOLE AT WANGANUI HARBOUR IN WANGANUI

The Health Protection Unit’s of Taranaki District Health Board, MidCentral District Health Board and Waikato District Health Board today issued a Public Health Warning advising people not to collect or consume shellfish from Kawhia in the Waikato (The public health warning does not include Kawhia Harbour) to North Mole in Wanganui (The public health warning does not include Wanganui Harbour.

Routine tests on shellfish samples taken from Oakura and Ohawe (near Hawera) this week have shown levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) at 2.53 mg/kg and 1.88 mg/kg respectively. This level is above the New Zealand Food Safety Authority safe limit of 0.80 mg/kg and anyone eating these toxic shellfish is potentially at risk of illness.

Kina, mussels, tohera, pipis, tuatua, oysters and cockles in the affected area should not be eaten. Cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.

Paua, 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 could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

Symptoms of PSP usually occur within 12 hours of consuming shellfish and include:
- Numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities;
- Difficulties in swallowing or breathing;
- Dizziness; double vision;
- And in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued they should contact a doctor immediately, advise their local Health Protection Office and keep any left over shellfish.

Signage is currently being erected in the area affected by the Public Health Warning and major stakeholders have been informed. The Health Protection Unit’s of Taranaki District Health Board and Waikato District Health Board are continuing to routinely monitor the situation.

Further information is also available on the following website: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/

ENDS