Public Health Warning: Unsafe Levels of Biotoxin Found in Bay of Plenty Shellfish

Authorities in New Zealand have issued a public health warning following the discovery of unsafe levels of a deadly biotoxin in shellfish along the coast of the Bay of Plenty. The New Zealand Food Safety agency has advised the public not to collect or consume shellfish from the area between Mount Maunganui and Whakatāne.

Deputy director-general of the agency, Vincent Arbuckle, stated in a recent statement that routine testing has confirmed 'levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin over the safe limit.' He emphasized that cooking the shellfish does not eliminate the toxin, and that anyone consuming shellfish from the affected region could become seriously ill.

The biotoxin is linked to an algal bloom that is currently spreading throughout the area. Arbuckle explained that the algae produce a dangerous toxin, which can accumulate in the gut and flesh of shellfish as they filter feed from the surrounding waters. This accumulation poses a serious risk to human health.

It is important to note that the warning applies only to recreationally collected shellfish. Commercially harvested shellfish sold in supermarkets and shops are subject to stringent monitoring programs to ensure consumer safety.

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include numbness and tingling around the mouth, face, hands, and feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. These symptoms can develop within minutes to several hours after consuming contaminated shellfish.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after eating shellfish from an area under a public health warning is urged to contact Healthline immediately at 0800 61 11 16 or seek emergency medical attention. It is also recommended to contact the nearest public health unit and retain any leftover shellfish for potential testing.

As the algal bloom continues to spread, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising the public to take all necessary precautions to avoid exposure to the toxin. This incident highlights the importance of regular monitoring and public awareness in ensuring food safety and protecting public health.