Do not eat some oysters from British Columbia because they may be contaminated with Paralytic Shellfish Toxin, or PSP, according to the FDA. The oysters are from Dailyfresh Shellfish, Inc., with lot number 240531JM that were harvested from Subarea 23-10 in British Columbia, Canada on May 30, 2024. The oysters were sold to restaurants and food retailers in California. On June 10, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency advised the FDA that recent monitoring detected elevated levels of PSP in shellfish harvested from that Subarea. The shellfish was shipped to California and may have been distributed to other states as well. PSP is a naturally occurring biotoxin that is produced by some species of microscopic algae. Shellfish, which are filter feeders, eat the algae and can retain … [Read more...]
Do Not Eat Certain Shellfish From OR and WA Because of PSP
The FDA says consumers should not eat certain shellfish harvested from Oregon and Washington waters because they may be contaminated with paralytic shellfish poison (PSP). Restaurants and retailers should not sell these products. Retailers and restaurants in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington may have purchased oysters and bay clams from growing areas in Netarts Bay and Tillamook bay, Oregon harvested on or after May 28, 2024. All shellfish from growing areas in Willapa Bay, Washington Stony Point, harvested between May 26, 2024 and May 30, 2024;5/26/24; from Bay Center, harvested between May 29, 2024 and May 30, 2024; and Bruceport, harvested between May 29, 2024 and May 30, 2024 are included. Consumers in Arizona, California, … [Read more...]
Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) Found Along Washington’s Coast
Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) has been found in recreationally harvested shellfish along Washington's Pacific coast, according to the Washington State Department of Health. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these shellfish. All recreational shellfish harvesting is prohibited in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay due to "extreme PSP risk." This is part of a broader PSP occurrence along the Oregon coast, where several recreational mussel harvesters were sickened over the Memorial Day weekend. There are no reports of illness associated with shellfish harvested in Washington state. All commercial shellfish harvesting is closed in Willapa Bay too, because of elevated marine biotoxin levels. All species of shellfish are included. Some species of shellfish … [Read more...]
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Sickens 20 From Mussels in OR
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) has sickened at least 20 people after eating mussels harvested between the Washington border and Seal Rock State Park, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Anyone who harvested mussels from Short Beach near Oceanside, Hug Point, and near Seaside should immediately discard them. Only recreationally harvested mussels are problematic. This warning does not apply to mussels that were harvested commercially and purchased at a grocery store or a restaurant. PSP is caused by saxitoxins that are produced by marine algae. People get sick by eating shellfish contaminated with this naturally occurring biotoxin. Shellfish that can be contaminated with this toxin include scallops, clams, mussels, cockles, and oysters, along with some types of fish and … [Read more...]
Paralytic Shellfish Poison in Orcas Island Shellfish in Washington
Paralytic Shellfish Poison has been detected in shellfish that were harvested from Buck Bay on Orcas Island in San Juan County, in Washington state on July 26 and 27, 2022, according to the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH). The shellfish, which included clams and oysters, were sold directly to consumers from Buck Bay Shellfish Farm's retail market, and to restaurants on the island. Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) is a naturally occurring marine toxin produced by some types of microscopic algae. Shellfish eat these algae and retain the toxin. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Public health officials detected the toxin through their biotoxin monitoring program. The shellfish had PSP levels that were nearly four times the allowable levels for harvest. … [Read more...]
Evergreen Manila Clams Recalled in Canada For Marine Biotoxin
Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd. is recalling Evergreen Manila Clams from the marketplace because they may be contaminated with a marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. The recalled product is Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd. Manila Clams, packaged in 25 pound containers. The Harvest Date is September 16, 2020, and the Processing date is September 17, 2020. The Harvest Location printed on the package is B.C. 17-20, and the lot number is 21057. They were sold in British Columbia and Ontario at the retail level. The Evergreen Manila clams may have also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages without a label and may not have the same brand, product name, or code as … [Read more...]
Alaska Death From PSP Triggers Warning From Health Officials
An Alaska death from PSP triggers a warning from health officials in that state. Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) occurs when a person is exposed to paralytic shellfish toxin. This is the first known PSP fatality in that state since 2010, although serious illnesses are reported more often. Since 1993, there have been four cases of PSP deaths in Alaska: one in 1994, one in 1997, and two in 2010. During that same time frame, there have been more than 100 cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning in that state. The person who died ate blue mussels and snails that were collected from a Dutch Harbor beach on July 4, 2020. The shellfish were cooked first; like most toxins, PSP is not rendered inactive by heat. The person did have underlying health conditions that contributed to … [Read more...]
Whatcom County Beaches Closed Due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
According to a press release from the Whatcom County Health Department, Whatcom County beaches have been closed to recreational shellfish harvest because the paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin has reached unsafe levels in molluscan shellfish in Drayton Harbor. All shellfish that is sold in restaurants and in retail markets has been tested before it is marketed and is safe to eat. Algae that contain marine biotixins can't be seen by the human eye. The only way to find them is through laboratory testing. During a biotoxin event, mussels and varnish clams usually contain the highest concentration of the PSP toxin. PSP and other naturally occurring toxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. While crab meat is not affected by this toxin, crab butter and crab … [Read more...]
Pacific Oysters in Canada Recalled For Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Toxin
Pacific oysters by Albion Fisheries and Union Bay Seafood are being recalled in Canada because they may contain a marine biotoxin called PSP, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. The oysters were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario at the retail level. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The recalled oysters are Union Bay Seafood Ltd. Pacific oysters, Mica's Petite Effingham Inlet, sold in 5 dozen count. The Location is BC 23-6, the Landfile number is 1403799, and the Lot number is 20190715NW. The harvest date for these oysters is July 14, 2019. Also recalled is Union Bay Seafood Ltd. Pacific oysters Effingham Inlet Xs in 5 dozen count. The Location marked on the package is BC 23-6, Landfile is 1403799, and the lot number is 20190715NW. … [Read more...]
Pacific Oysters Recalled in Canada for PSP
Some farm raised Pacific oysters are being recalled in Canada because they may contain a biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). This naturally occurring toxin can cause difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis, and death. No illnesses have been reported in association with the consumption of these oysters. The oysters were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and possibly nationally. The processors of these oysters include Albion Farms and Fisheries Ltd. at 1900 No. 6 Road in Richmond, British Columbia. The products is farmed oysters in the shell. All sizes of product under P.O. number 87606 are recalled. These oysters were sold from October 9 to October 16, 2017, inclusively. The other recalled product is Union Bay Seafood Ltd. … [Read more...]
