Taranaki to Kaipara: Health warning against collecting shellfish

The warning includes kina.

A public health warning has been released advising people not to collect or consume shellfish from parts of the North Island's west coast.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said the public should not harvest shellfish from the Taranaki/Waikato/Auckland coastline from Lower Kina Rd south of Oakura, northward to the Kaipara Harbour mouth.

It does not include the Kaipara Harbour.

Routine tests on shellfish samples taken from sites in the region showed levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins above the safe limit of 0.8 mg/kg set by MPI.

"Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness. It should be noted that the levels of paralytic shellfish toxins detected have risen significantly to concerning levels."

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 typically appear between 10 minutes and three hours after ingestion and may include numbness and a tingling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness and vomiting.

"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."

People are also advised to contact their nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.