The public are being advised not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Tennyson Inlet and Fitzroy Bay areas in the Marlborough Sounds due to the presence of toxins.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) issued the warning after routine tests on mussels from Canoe Bay showed levels of paralytic shellfish toxin over the safe limit.
"Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick. Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban," said NZFS acting deputy director-general Mike Inglis.
"It’s important to note that cooking does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten."
He said 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 was not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
Kina and finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but Inglis said fishers were advised to gut the fish and discard the liver before cooking.
NZFS has had no notifications of associated illness.
People experiencing any numbness or prickly feeling around the mouth, face, hands, and feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating should seek emergency care.
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.
"NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation," Inglis said.
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.
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