Biotoxin alert for Marlborough Sounds
Shellfish biotoxin in Tennyson Inlet and Fitzroy Bay
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Tennyson Inlet and Fitzroy Bay areas in the Marlborough Sounds due to the presence of toxins.
“Routine tests on mussels from Canoe Bay have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxin over the safe limit,” says NZFS acting deputy director-general Mike Inglis.
“The warning extends from Tennyson Inlet to Fitzroy Bay. 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.
“It’s important to note that cooking does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.”
NZFS is monitoring an algal bloom of Gymnodinium catenatum in this region. This type of algae produces a dangerous toxin and, when shellfish filter-feed, these toxins can accumulate in their gut and flesh. Generally, the more algae in the water, the more toxic the shellfish get.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating 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 and, 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. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
Kina and finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking.
NZFS has had no notifications of associated illness.
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. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation.
Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by NZFS to ensure they are safe to eat.