People on the Taranaki coast are being urged not to collect or eat any shellfish due to the presence of paralytic toxins.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said routine tests of shellfish in the region showed levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin “over the safe limit”.
The warning extended from Cape Egmont north to Albatross Point, near Kawhia.
Affected shellfish included mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes), and Cook’s turban.
“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick,” Arbuckle said.
“Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.
“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 could contaminate the meat during the cooking process,” Arbuckle said.
“Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking.”
NZFS was monitoring an algal bloom in the region, which produces a “dangerous” toxin that shellfish filter feed and accumulate in their guts and flesh.
“Generally, the more algae there are in the water, the more toxic the shellfish get,” Arbuckle said.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appeared between 10 minutes to 3 hours after eating and included numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet; difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness and headache; dizziness and headache; nausea and vomiting; diarrhoea; paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.
“If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately,” NZ Food Safety said.
“You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.”
The organisation had not been notified of any illness as of yet.
“NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle.