New Zealand Food Safety Urges the Public to Avoid Collecting and Consuming Shellfish in the Affected Area.
New Zealand Food Safety has issued a critical public health warning after routine tests revealed dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish toxins in mussels gathered from Pania Reef in Napier, Hawke Bay. The warning extends from Cape Kidnappers to the Mohaka River, encompassing a significant coastal area.
Deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, Vincent Arbuckle, emphasized the importance of this alert, stating that “Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick. Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin.”
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning are known to manifest within a short period after consumption, ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours. These symptoms may include numbness and tingling around the mouth, face, hands, and feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure, potentially leading to death.
The warning also extends to various shellfish, including pāua, crab, and crayfish. To safely consume these shellfish, it is essential to ensure that the gut is completely removed before cooking, as toxins tend to accumulate in the gut. Failure to remove the gut can result in contamination of the meat during the cooking process.
To date, New Zealand Food Safety has received no reports of associated illnesses. However, individuals who experience symptoms after consuming shellfish from the affected area are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention and contact Healthline at 0800 61 11 16. It is also recommended to reach out to the nearest public health unit and retain any leftover shellfish for potential testing.
New Zealand Food Safety assures the public that it is diligently monitoring shellfish in the region and will provide updates on any changes to the situation. It is important to note that commercially harvested shellfish sold in shops, supermarkets, or for export are subject to rigorous water and flesh monitoring programs to ensure their safety.
Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution and stay informed regarding this public health warning to safeguard their well-being and prevent potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated shellfish.