Food Poisoning Bulletin
The California Department of Public Healthis adding sport-harvested clams and whole scallops to the list of Del Norte County bivalve shellfish that consumers should avoid. This warning is in addition to the annual mussel quarantine that was extended on October 31, 2012 to include Del Norte and Humboldt counties. The shellfish contain dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSP).
The warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. These shellfish are subject to frequent mandatory testing by the state government.
PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips. Then, symptoms include a loss of balance, loss of muscular coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can appear within a few minutes to a few hours after eating the toxic shellfish. In some cases, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur. Cooking does not destroy the toxin. For more information, see the CDPH Marine Biotoxins Frequently Asked Questions page
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