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The
health warning issued for toxic shellfish remains in place. Results
received today confirm that people should continue to avoid collecting
or eating shellfish from the wider Coromandel and Bay of Plenty
coastline from Tairua (including Tairua Harbour) south including
Whiritoa, Whangamata, Onemana, and east along the Bay of Plenty
coastline (including Tauranga and Ohiwa Harbours) to the mouth of the
Motu River in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Included are all inshore
islands within the above area (including Matakana Island, Motiti Island
and Whale Island).
“Further sampling today confirms the continuation of high levels of
paralytic shellfish poison along this stretch of coast. The levels of
toxin are particularly high and we strongly urge people to avoid all
shellfish from this area till further notice,” says Toi Te Ora - Public
Health, Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack.
The health warning affects all bi-valve shellfish including mussels,
pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops, catseyes and kina (sea
urchin). Paua, crayfish and crabs can still be taken but as always, the
gut should be removed before cooking.
Consumption of shellfish affected by the paralytic shellfish toxin can
cause numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities;
difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness; double vision; and in
severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. These symptoms usually
occur within 12 hours of a person consuming affected shellfish.
Anyone suffering illness after eating shellfish should seek medical attention.
New Zealand Food Safety Authority is responsible for monitoring both
shellfish and water for toxins in shellfish throughout New Zealand. Toi
Te Ora - Public Health and the Waikato Public Health Unit will continue
to update the public when results from the sampling confirm changes to
the affected area.
Information about health warnings will be posted on www.nzfsa.govt.nz
