Commercial Shellfish Safe From Algae Bloom

Consumers Of Commercially Caught Shellfish Including Paua And Lobster Are Safe From Algae Bloom Effects

The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council (SeaFIC) is concerned that some recently reported comments about the effects of the algae bloom are misleading.

SeaFIC general manager trade and information, Alastair Macfarlane, said the algae gymnodinium catenatum was possibly present in commercially caught shellfish including paua and lobsters and crab but rigid water testing, sampling regimes and processing requirements meant that there was no harm to humans.

However Mr Macfarlane cautioned against anyone buying and consuming black market paua or lobster.

“The industry is aware of a sizeable amount of black market product being sold in New Zealand at what appears to be bargain prices. These paua and lobster are not processed to any hygiene standard so consumer safety is undoubtedly compromised.”

“Consumers need to be assured that New Zealand seafood food safety systems are among the best in the world as consumer safety is paramount,” Mr Macfarlane said.

For further information contact:

SeaFIC Communications Manager Tina Nixon 025 2232789
NZ Rock Lobster Industry Council Executive Officer Daryl Sykes 021 415 032
NZ Abalone Management Company executive officer Richard Cade 021 568 858

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