Toxic shellfish warning lifted

A toxic shellfish health warning has been lifted for the wider Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline, ending 15 months of concern.

The warning was lifted for Tairua to Rogers Road, south of Pukehina, Bay of Plenty medical officer of health Jim Miller said today. That area includes Tauranga and Tairua harbours, Whiritoa, Whangamata, and Onemana.

Routine sampling indicated that the levels of shellfish toxin were now within safe limits for all of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline.

"We know the shellfish warning has been an inconvenience, especially over the past two summer holiday periods, and we would like to thank the public for their endurance and co-operation," Dr Miller said.

Although paralytic shellfish toxin was no longer a concern when shellfish gathering, people must exercise caution when deciding where to gather and when preparing shellfish for consumption, he said.

"Non-commercial shellfish collected from the sea and harbours are a high risk food because they tend to accumulate and concentrate in their flesh any contaminants found in the water.

"Bivalve shellfish (those with two shells) filter food particles from the seawater and so, for example, can accumulate viruses and bacteria from sewage overflows and farm run-off, toxins from naturally occurring algae, and chemical contaminants such as heavy metals from urban storm water run-off."

Dr Miller said when shellfish were eaten raw or lightly cooked, bacteria and viruses would not be killed.

"The most effective way to ensure you don't get sick from eating shellfish is to buy them from the shop or collect them from areas where the seawater is clean and less likely to be contaminated in any way."

- NZPA