Category Archives: shellfish toxin

USA – Certain Dungeness crabs recalled because of poisoning risk -Domoic Acid – Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning

Posted on January 4, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

The Quinault Tribe of the Northwestern United States is voluntarily recalling almost 58,000 pounds of live or un-eviscerated Dungeness crab because of possible domoic acid contamination, which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in people. 

With Dungeness crab being a popular New Year’s dish, public health officials in Washing state posted the recall notice today in hopes of reaching holiday cooks before meals are prepared. It is not clear how far the crab may have been distributed.

Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain types of algae and can be harmful to humans if contaminated shellfish is consumed. 

Domoic acid can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) with symptoms including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within 24 hours of ingestion. In severe cases, ASP can cause permanent short-term memory loss.

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Posted in Algal Toxin, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, DOMOIC ACID, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Marine Biotoxin, Shellfish, shellfish toxin

RASFF Alerts – DSP – Diarrhoeic Shellfish Poisoning – Canned Cockles

Posted on November 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

European Food Alerts

RASFF

Diarrhoeic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins – okadaic acid (> 320 µg/kg – ppb) in live cockles used in canned cockles from Portugal in Spain

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Posted in Algal Toxin, Biotoxin, Diarrhoeic Shellfish Poisoning, DSP, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Marine Biotoxin, okadaic acid, shellfish toxin, Toxin

Oman – Dhofar Governorate records multiple food poisoning cases

Posted on October 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Times of Oman

Dhofar Governorate recorded several food poisoning incidences due to eating some seashells that were affected by the red tide phenomenon

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said, “A number of health institutions in Dhofar Governorate have registered several food poisoning incidences as a result of consuming seashells that contained poisonous substances as the beaches were affected due to the red tide phenomenon.”

“In such cases, the infected person may suffer from various symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, symptoms related to the nervous system like numbness, weakened movement and shortness of breath,” the ministry added.

Therefore, MOH urges fishermen and consumers to avoid eating fishes and seashells coming from the areas affected by the red tide. It has also called upon all to stay away from the areas that suspected to be affected by the red tide phenomenon to avoid poisoning.

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Posted in Algal Toxin, Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, paralytic shellfish poisoning, Poisoning, PSP, shellfish toxin, Toxin

Norway – The inspection program for shellfish 2019

Posted on October 24, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Mattilsynet

Shells along the Norwegian coast have low concentrations of E. coli, heavy metals and other undesirable substances. It shows the results from the annual monitoring of bacteria and environmental toxins in mussels from production areas and mussel samples taken in connection with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s mussel warning.

What did we investigate? Mussels, scallops, flat oysters, Pacific oysters, cow mussels, O-mussels, carpet mussels, king snails and Drøbakkråkebolle.
Period: 2019
What were we looking for? E. coli, Salmonella and the environmental toxins cadmium, mercury, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, as well as polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
What did we find? About 90 percent of all submitted mussels were below the limit of E. coli and there were no detections of Salmonella. A total of 453 E. coli samples and 26 salmonella samples were analyzed.

Mussels: All examined mussels were below the limits for environmental toxins.

Scallops: No excesses of environmental toxins in muscle and gonads. Flat oysters: Cadmium was detected above the limit value in two samples.

O-shells and king snails: The heavy metal cadmium was, as in previous years, proven well above the limit value. The majority of heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, have previously been localized to the kidneys. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority therefore recommends that the kidneys be removed before consumption, so that edible parts fall well below the limit values.

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Posted in E.coli, food contamination, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Research, Salmonella, Shellfish, shellfish toxin

New Zealand – Shellfish biotoxin alert – Northland west coast

Posted on October 12, 2020 by | Leave a comment

MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries today issued a public health warning against collecting shellfish on the Northland west coast from Waipapakauri on 90 Mile Beach, south to Pouto Point on the northern head of the Kaipara Harbour. This includes the Herekino, Whangape and Hokianga Harbours. Warning signs will be posted in the coming days.

Another warning remains in place for the west coast of the North Island – from South Head (Manukau Harbour entrance) to Tirua Point (south of Kawhia).

Routine tests on shellfish samples taken from these regions have shown levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins above the safe limit of 0.8 mg/kg set by MPI. Anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness.

See a map of the warning

Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten.

Note, cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.

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 is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

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.

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.

Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by MPI to ensure they are safe to eat.

MPI Alerts

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Posted in Algal Toxin, Biotoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Marine Biotoxin, MPI, paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP, shellfish toxin, Toxin

Caribbean – CPS reports cases of fish poisoning

Posted on October 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

The Daily Herald

PHILIPSBURG–The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), as a public health agency, is advising the public to pay attention to proper food handling procedures when preparing meals.

CPS said the department had received reports of four cases of fish poisoning September 5 and 7.

“As with all reportable diseases, CPS surveillance nurses conduct case follow-up to identify the possible source(s) of exposure,” CPS said on Thursday. During the investigation, it came to light that the purchasing, storage, and preparation of the seafood played a major role in the source of food poisoning.

“CPS would like to remind persons when purchasing fish, or any type of sea food, that it is important to handle the products safely to reduce the risk of foodborne illness often called food poisoning,” said the department.

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Posted in Algal Toxin, Biotoxin, Marine Biotoxin, shellfish toxin, Toxin

New Zealand – Shellfish biotoxin alert

Posted on October 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

MPI

ALL WARNINGS ARE UP TO DATE

Warnings are reviewed weekly following sampling results. Information on this page is then updated if needed.

If you have questions, email info@mpi.govt.nz

Current warnings

West Coast – South Head to Tirua Point (south of Kawhia) – North Island

Map showing the affected area

Previous changes
  • 2 October: Hawke’s Bay Warning removed
  • 19 August: Hawke Bay Warning extended to Young Nicks Head.
  • 12 August: NI West Coast – South Head to Tauratahi Point warning issued
  • 12 August: Port Levy warning removed.

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Posted in Algal Toxin, Biotoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Marine Biotoxin, MPI, shellfish toxin

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Certain Manila clams may be unsafe due to a marine biotoxin which causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)

Posted on September 25, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, September 24, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on September 22, 2020 has been updated to include additional distribution information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd. is recalling certain Manila clams from the marketplace due to a marine biotoxin which causes PSP. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

These Manila clams may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand, product name, or code as described below.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size Code
Evergreen Int’l Foodstuffs Ltd. Manila clams 25 lb. Harvest Date: Sep 16, 2020
Processing Date: Sep 17, 2020
Harvest Location: B.C. 17-20
Lot# 21057

What you should do

Check to see if you have the recalled product in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the source of the clams, check with your place of purchase.

Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate PSP toxins. These toxins can cause PSP if consumed. Symptoms of PSP include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing with an onset of a few minutes and up to 10 hours after consumption. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death.

Background

This recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Related recalls

2020-09-22 – Certain Manila clams may be unsafe due to a marine biotoxin which causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Public enquiries and media

Company information
Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd.: 604-253-8835
Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca
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Posted in Biotoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Marine Biotoxin, microbial contamination, Microbiology, paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP, Shellfish, shellfish toxin

Canada – Certain Manila clams may be unsafe due to a marine biotoxin which causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Posted on September 23, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, September 22, 2020 – Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd. is recalling certain Manila clams from the marketplace due to a marine biotoxin which causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

These Manila clams may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand, product name, or code as described below.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size Code
Evergreen Int’l Foodstuffs Ltd. Manila clams 25 lb. Harvest Date: Sep 16, 2020
Processing Date: Sep 17, 2020
Harvest Location: B.C. 17-20
Lot# 21057

What you should do

Check to see if you have the recalled product in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the source of the clams, check with your place of purchase.

Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins. These toxins can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) if consumed. Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing with an onset of a few minutes and up to 10 hours after consumption. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death.

Background

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Evergreen Int'l Foodstuffs Ltd. - Manila clams

Public enquiries and media

Company information
Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd.: (604) 253-8835
Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

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Posted in Algal Toxin, CIFA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Marine Biotoxin, microbial contamination, Microbiology, paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP, Shellfish, shellfish toxin

Canada – N.B. declares outbreak of shellfish bacteria causing gastrointestinal illness – Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Posted on September 21, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Global News CA

Food Illness - Vibrio

Image CDC

New Brunswick health officials have declared an outbreak of vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacteria found in shellfish that causes gastrointestinal illness in humans.

The province says nine cases of vibrio have been confirmed. The average for New Brunswick is typically only two to three cases a year.

“I am advising all New Brunswickers to ensure that they obtain shellfish and other seafood from a licensed establishment or harvest shellfish from fishing zones which are currently open by Fisheries and Oceans Canada,” said N.B. chief of health Dr. Jennifer Russell in a news release.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, Bacterial Toxin, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pathogen, Shellfish, shellfish toxin, Vibrio, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety