Shellfish now safe for eating in the Bay of Plenty

MEDIA RELEASE 31 May 2007

Shellfish now safe for eating in the Bay of Plenty

A public health warning advising people not to collect or consume shellfish between Maketu Estuary and Whakatane River Mouth has been lifted today.

Further sampling undertaken by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority has found the level of PSP (Paralytic Shellfish Poison) toxin to have dropped and stabilised. The health warning, which was put in place on the 19 April, affected all bi-valve shellfish.

“Regular testing of shellfish will continue as part of the ongoing bio toxin monitoring programme,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health. “This is to ensure that all species of shellfish are safe to eat and that any increases in toxin levels are detected promptly.”

He says toxin levels can increase quickly in shellfish so people need to be aware the warning may be reactivated.

“If there is any doubt you can contact the Health Protection Unit of Toi Te Ora - Public Health or look for warning signs at beach access points,” says Dr Shoemack.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority publishes up-to-date information on www.nzfsa.govt.nz

ENDS

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