The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issued a public health warning yesterday advising the public not to collect or
consume shellfish harvested from the Bay of Plenty/Waikato region. From Te Ororoa Point, just north of Tairua, down to
Bowentown Heads but not including Tauranga Harbour. Signs will also be placed in the affected areas.
Routine tests on shellfish samples taken from this region have shown levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
toxins above the safe limit of 0.8 mg/kg set by MPI. Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of
illness.
Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish
should not be eaten. Please note cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.
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 could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
Symptoms typically appear between 10 minutes and three hours after ingestion and may include:
numbness and tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, and extremities (hands and feet)
difficulty swallowing or breathing
dizziness
a headache
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
paralysis and respiratory failure and in severe cases, death.
If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone
Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your
nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. Commercially harvested
shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by
MPI to ensure they are safe to eat.
ends