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The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issued a public health warning on January 28 against collecting shellfish from the Ōrewa, Whangaparāoa and Warkworth areas. The warning could be in place for several months and extends from Takatu Point on Tāwharanui Peninsula, through Ōrewa and along the northern coastline of Whangaparāoa Peninsula to Huaroa Point. It includes Mahurangi Harbour, Kawau Island and the smaller islands west of Kawau.
Routine tests on shellfish samples taken from Mahurangi Harbour have shown levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins above the safe limit set by MPI. Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness.
Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten. 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 of poisoning typically appear between 10 minutes and three hours after ingestion and may include numbness and a tingling around the mouth, face, and extremities (hands and feet), difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, a headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The illness can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure, and in severe cases, death.
MPI verification services director, Alan Cook, says as these are naturally occurring blooms, MPI is not able to predict how long they will last. Previous warnings in this area have lasted for around 2-3 months, although it is not unusual for these to last upwards of six months.
Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated by the Ministry (see below).
Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to strict monitoring to ensure they are safe to eat. There is no commercial harvesting of shellfish in the affected area.
Info: Updates are posted at www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/where-unsafe-to-collect-shellfish/shellfish-biotoxin-alerts/ and will also be linked to this story
What to do • If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, freephone Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116, 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.
