Mahia south (pictured) to Porangahau are areas deemed unsafe to collect shellfish. Photo File
Mahia south (pictured) to Porangahau are areas deemed unsafe to collect shellfish. Photo File
The public is being warned not to eat shellfish from a ranging stretch of Hawke's Bay coast between Mahanga Beach in Mahia, to Porangahau.
The Ministry for Primary Industries issued the public health warning after routine tests on shellfish samples taken from the area 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," a spokesperson said.
The ministry's specialist adviser seafood, Brian Roughan, said the phenomenon was a naturally occurring poison.
"These shellfish feed on phytoplankton, some of which can be toxic."
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.
Roughan said the ministry had three testing sites along the affected stretch of coast, including Pania Reef, Mahia and Porangahau, all of which were tested fortnightly.
He said it was impossible to know how long the warning would be in place.
"The bloom is dynamic and shifts around, so more toxins could be ingested in the future, or it could disappear soon, it's always a bit of an unknown."
He confirmed the last incident of the same toxin - and same stretch of coastline - was in May last year, for which the warning was lifted a month later.
A Hawke's Bay District Health Board spokesperson said no one had presented with symptoms.
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.
Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to water and flesh monitoring programmes by the ministry to ensure they are safe to eat.
