MEDIA RELEASE

Lifting Of Public Health Warning In Coastal Area For Collection And Eating Of Shellfish

4June 2009

Public Health Warning Lifted At Great Barrier And Little Barrier Islands

Dr Simon Baker, Medical Officer of Health atAuckland Regional Public Health Service, today lifted the public health warning which was put in place on 7thMay 2009for all shellfish harvested from the Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands.

Results of shellfish testing for the Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin over the past two weeks have shown that shellfish are now clear of the toxin.

Regular testing of shellfish will continue as part of the ongoing biotoxin monitoring programme. This is to ensure that all species of shellfish are safe to eat, and any increases in toxin levels are detected promptly.

As toxin levels can increase quickly in shellfish, people should continue to exercise caution before collecting shellfish by listening to media reports, inquiring locally and by looking for warning signs at beach access points.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)also publishes up to date information on their websiteat: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/marine-biotoxins

ENDS