Shellfish remains off the menu

The Ministry for Primary Industries' weekly update has revealed a poison content warning remains in place for local shellfish.

Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish are off limits.


PSP toxins have been detected in shellfish at levels of up to 1.4mg/kg - nearly twice the safe limit set by MPI. Photo: Supplied.

Restrictions are in place from the mouth of the Otahu River at the southern end of Whangamata Beach, southwards along the Bay of Plenty coast to Rogers Road at Pukehina Beach.

The area includes Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti Islands, and all other islands along this stretch coastline.

A reminder has also been issued that cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.

Paua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as this is where toxins accumulate.

If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.