New Zealand- Shellfish Biotoxin Alert – PSP

EAST CAPE LOBSTER WARNING

Toggle expandable

Reason for alert	Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Check the symptoms of PSP
Date warning issued	Media release: 26 January 2024 Update: The area affected by the warning was reduced on 15 February 2024.
Affected area	From 15 February 2024, the area extends from the north side of Tolaga Bay to Hicks Bay.
Shellfish affected	Lobster are the only species affected. Shellfish and finfish are not affected by this warning. Lobster (crayfish) may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins can accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
Symptoms	Symptoms typically appear between 10 minutes and 3 hours after ingestion and may 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.
Other information	Elevated paralytic shellfish toxins are still being detected in lobster near Tokomaru Bay.