The presence of paralytic shellfish toxins has sparked a warning for the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered in parts of the Bay of Plenty.
“Routine tests on tuatua from Waihi Beach have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins more than double the safe limit,” New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.
The warning extended from the southern end of Pāuanui Beach down to the entrance of Tauranga Harbour, by Mount Maunganui. The warning also included Tauranga Harbour.
“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick.
“Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban. Kina are still safe to eat.
“It’s also important to know that cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin.”
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to three hours of eating affected shellfish, and may include:
- Numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Dizziness and headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Paralysis and respiratory failure
- In severe cases, death.
Pāua, crab, and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking as toxins accumulate in the gut, Food Safety said. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
“Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking.”
NZ Food Safety said it has not been notified of any associated illnesses.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating shellfish from the affected area has been advised to call 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.
“NZ Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” Arbuckle said.
Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by NZ Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.
