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Toxic shellfish in N.B. lead to warning
New Brunswick mussels harvested from closed areas linked to illnesses
Last Updated: Friday, July 9, 2010 | 10:36 AM ET
An outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning in some areas of New Brunswick has prompted warnings from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The illnesses reported came from the consumption of mussels taken from areas closed to commercial shell fishing and were not purchased, said the CFIA.
The agency is advising consumers to exercise caution when purchasing shellfish and to avoid gathering it on their own.
Consumers should inquire at the point of purchase whether the shellfish they are buying has proper documentation and were harvested from an approved and open area.
Paralytic shellfish toxins accumulate in oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles.
Symptoms of PSP include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, along with difficulty swallowing.
In severe cases people can experience difficulty walking, muscle and respiratory paralysis and even death, in as little time as 12 hours.