September 19th, 2024
In a recent public health announcement, New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries has extended its warning against the collection and consumption of shellfish from the Western Firth of Thames, now including the entire Firth of Thames, up to a line from Raukura Point across to Deadmans Point.
This extension follows routine tests on shellfish samples which indicated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins above the safe limit set by New Zealand Food Safety. "Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness," the Ministry warned in a statement.
The warning particularly pertains to "mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish," advising the public not to consume them. Importantly, cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, according to the official release.
There is a specific caveat for pāua, crab, and crayfish, which "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 from ingestion of the toxic shellfish typically manifest between 10 minutes and 3 hours post-consumption. These may include numbness, tingling sensation, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, paralysis, respiratory failure and even death.
The Ministry urges anyone feeling ill after consuming shellfish from the warned area to contact Healthline on 0800 61 11 16, or seek immediate medical attention. They are also encouraged to contact the nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish for potential testing.
New Zealand Food Safety is committed to monitoring toxin levels and has assured that any changes will be communicated promptly. It should be noted that commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops, supermarkets or exported – are subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by the Ministry of Primary Industries to ensure safety for consumption.