Health Warning – Marine Biotoxin in Shellfish
The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning advising the
public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from any part of Akaroa Harbour (see map below).
Canterbury DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says routine tests on shellfish samples taken from Akaroa Harbour
have shown levels of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxinsabove the safe limit of 0.16 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”, says Dr Pink, who also warns that cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.
“Symptoms of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning typically appear within half an hour and can last for 24 hours.”
Symptoms may include:
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
Dr Pink says 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 couldcontaminate the meat during the cooking
process.
If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone your
usual General Practice team 24/7 and they can advise what to do with#carearoundtheclock. If it’s an emergency phone 111.
You are also advised to contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777 and keep any leftover shellfish in case it
can be tested.
Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly.
•NOTE cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin
ends