Public health warning in New Zealand: Shellfish biotoxin alert for Nydia Bay/Pelorus Sound area in the Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand Food Safety today issued a public health warning against collecting shellfish from the Pelorus Sound area in the Marlborough Sounds. The area includes Pelorus Sound from Hikapu Reach at Koutuwai Point up to Spencer and Capsize Points. Paralytic Shellfish Toxins have been detected in shellfish at Nydia Bay at levels several times above the safe limit set by MPI. There is extreme risk from consuming shellfish in this area. See a map of the warning Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten. Note that 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, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. Symptoms typically appear between 10 minutes and 3 hours after ingestion and may include: If anyone becomes ...