Public Health Warning about marine biotoxin in shellfish
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from Pegasus Bay from Waimairi Beach in the north to Adderley Head in the south and all of Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour.
Routine tests on shellfish samples taken have shown levels of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins above the safe limit of 0.16 mg/kg set by MPI. Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness.
Ongoing testing and monitoring of toxin levels will continue, and any changes will be communicated accordingly.
Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten.
Cooking shellfish does NOT remove the toxin.
Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking. The toxins accumulate in the gut so must be removed so it does not contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
Symptoms of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning typically appear within half an hour of ingestion and last for about 24 hours. Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhoea;
- Vomiting;
- Nausea; and
- Abdominal cramps
Call Healthline for advice (0800 61 11 16) if anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from this area or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact the National Public Health Service (03 364 1777) and keep any leftover shellfish so it can be tested.