East Coast shellfish warning: tested mussels show paralytic toxin levels over safe limit

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has advised the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from near Tolaga Bay due to the presence of toxins.

“Routine tests on mussels from Tolaga Bay have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins over the safe limit,” NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.

“The warning extends from Tatapouri Point just north of Gisborne, up to Koutunui Point in Tokomaru Bay.

“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, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.”

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to three 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.”

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,” Mr Arbuckle said.

“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.