Reminder to the public about toxic shellfish

23 December 2011

Reminder to the public about toxic shellfish

As the summer holiday season approaches, the Medical Officer of Health would like to remind the public that the health warning due to shellfish toxins along parts of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline is still in place. “Ongoing weekly monitoring has shown continuing high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin present in shellfish along this coastline” says Dr Jim Miller, Medical Officer of Health.

The affected area includes the entire coastline from Tairua (including Tairua Harbour), east along the Bay of Plenty coastline, including Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, to Rogers Road at Pukehina. Also included in the warning are Matakana and Motiti islands, and all other inshore islands along this coastline.

The health warning applies to all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops as well as catseyes and kina (sea urchin). Paua, crayfish and crabs can still be taken but as always, the gut should be removed before cooking.

Consumption of shellfish affected by the paralytic shellfish toxin can cause numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities; difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness; double vision; and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. These symptoms usually occur within 12 hours of a person consuming affected shellfish. Anyone suffering illness after eating shellfish should seek medical attention.

Monitoring of toxin levels will continue along the coast and any changes will be communicated accordingly.

For all health warning updates across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts call 0800 221 555 or visit our website – www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/health_warnings

ENDS

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