CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Sport-Harvested Marin County Bivalve Shellfish

March 2, 2018


The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat recreationally harvested mussels, clams or whole scallops from Marin County.  Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins have been detected in mussels from this area. The naturally occurring PSP toxins can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin.
 
This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins.
 
PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.
 
You can get the most current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH's toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Web page at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/EMB/Shellfish/Marine-Biotoxin-Monitoring-Program.aspx.

Well that's good to know since I collected ten pounds last weekend. I ended up with about a pound of meat. We only ate a small amount and the rest is going in the compost.

Thanks Hojoman for posting the warning.

Well that's good to know since I collected ten pounds last weekend. I ended up with about a pound of meat. We only ate a small amount and the rest is going in the compost.

Thanks Hojoman for posting the warning.

I remembered your post when I saw the announcement.

The normal safe time is October 31-- May 1, so I thought collecting was ok. I weighed what I have left and it is a little over a pound of meats.

Are mussels any good for bait? If yes I will just set them aside with my other frozen stuff.

Maybe crab bait?

Me and the boys harvest 30 lbs from HMB last Sat Feb 24th. Called the hotline prior and all was good.

Ate approximately 15 lbs steamed and will reheat the other pre cooked now frozen 15lbs soon.

Muy Bueno 

Thanks for posting Hojoman, it's good to have information like this!

On a plus side I think raw mussels make good perch bait.

Thanks for the post. I always call the hotline before I head out for shellfish. I’m going to pass this information on to a friend who had plans for this weekends low tides.