The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released an advisory on August 8, 2024, warning the public against the consumption of sport and recreationally-harvested shellfish. The mussels from Santa Barbara County have been found to contain dangerous levels of domoic acid. Therefore, it is advised not to consume such shellfish to avoid the risk of any health hazards.
It is safe to consume shellfish that has been commercially harvested and is available in restaurants, grocery stores, or fish markets. These products are not included in the advisory, as California’s certified commercial harvesters are required to adhere to strict testing protocols. This guarantees that all oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops that are sold to the public are free of harmful toxins.
To prevent the occurrence of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid poisoning, also known as amnesic shellfish poisoning, this advisory has been issued alongside the Annual Mussel Quarantine. These illnesses are a result of naturally occurring toxins present in the plankton that shellfish like mussels and clams consume. Consuming these toxins can be harmful to people, and cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxins. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid the consumption of contaminated shellfish.
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If someone ingests toxic shellfish, they may experience early symptoms of PSP such as tingling in their lips and tongue. These symptoms can appear just minutes after consuming the shellfish. Following this, the individual may experience loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. In more severe cases, the person may have difficulty breathing, feel confused or disoriented, and should seek medical attention immediately.
It is important for individuals who enjoy sport harvesting to be cautious when it comes to consuming bivalve shellfish that have been harvested recreationally during the summer season. It is recommended that they refrain from consuming these shellfish until the quarantine has been lifted to avoid any potential health risks.
