27 March 2013
Reminder about toxic shellfish along parts of the Bay of Plenty coast
Bay of Plenty residents and visitors need to continue to be aware of the risk of paralytic shellfish toxin poisoning.
“Levels of toxin found in shellfish along parts of the Bay of Plenty coastline remain high. Shellfish in the affected
area should not be taken or eaten,” says Dr Neil de Wet, Medical Officer of Health.
The current health warning has been in place since August 2012. Toi Te Ora has a new Twitter account that people can
follow for up-to-date information about the toxic shellfish warning and other health warnings and alerts. The Twitter
account to follow is @TTOHealthAlerts. In addition to Twitter up-dates, Toi Te Ora provides information about the toxic
shellfish health warning and other warnings and alerts through these channels:
• Phone: 0800 221 555
• Website: www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings
• Email alerts for subscribers: www.ttophs.govt.nz/alert
• Signage at locations (e.g. shellfish health warning signs at affected beaches)
The Medical Officer of Health strongly advises against the collection of shellfish from Tairua on the east coast of the
Coromandel Peninsula, south to Waihi Beach and along the Bay of Plenty coast to Whakatane Heads in the Eastern Bay of
Plenty. The warning includes Tairua Harbour as well as Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti
Islands, and all other islands along this coastline.
The health warning applies to all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops as well
as cat’s eyes, snails and kina (sea urchin). Shellfish containing toxic levels of paralytic shellfish poison don't look
or taste any different from shellfish that are safe to eat. Cooking or freezing the shellfish does not remove the toxin.
Paua, crayfish and crabs can still be taken but as always, the gut should be removed before consuming.
Consumption of shellfish affected by the paralytic shellfish toxin can cause numbness and tingling around the mouth,
face, hands and feet; difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness; double vision; and in severe cases, paralysis and
respiratory failure. These symptoms can start as soon as 1-2 hours after eating toxic shellfish and usually within 12
hours. Anyone suffering illness after eating shellfish should seek urgent medical attention.
ENDS