Toxins detected in Hawke Bay shellfish
A shellfish biotoxin alert has been published by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for Hawke Bay.
Routine testing found shellfish samples collected from Pania Reef contained Paralytic Shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in excess of the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by MPI.
The warning covers the area between the Mohaka River mouth to the top of Cape Kidnappers.
In a statement, MPI said that they continue to monitor toxin levels, with stricter monitoring programmes for commercially harvested shellfish.
"Any changes will be communicated accordingly... There are no commercial shellfish farms in the affected region."
Here's what you need to know:
- The public are advised not to eat Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin), and all other bivalve shellfish.
- Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking.
- Symptoms of poisoning typically appear 10 minutes to three hours after ingestion and can include numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, and extremities (hands and feet), difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea paralysis and respiratory failure, and in severe cases, death.
Members of the public who have become ill after ingesting the affected shellfish should get in touch with Healthline (0800 61 11 16) or seek medical attention immediately. Keep any shellfish leftover for testing.
Find out more about the alert by heading to the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
64% Yes
-
33.4% No
-
2.5% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Loading…
