Shellfish biotoxin alerts

All warnings are up-to-date

We review the warnings on this page following sampling, and update it when we find toxic shellfish.

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

Current warning

North Island warning

Reason for alert	Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Check the symptoms of PSP
Date warning issued	Extended 18 May 2023 10 May 2023
Affected area	Firth of Thames.
Shellfish affected	Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish. 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	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	Paralytic shellfish toxins have been detected in shellfish from the Kaipara Harbour at levels over the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by MPI. Ongoing testing will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly.

Map of the affected area

Map of affected area from Raukura Point across to Deadmans Point.

South Island warning

Reason for alert	Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Check the symptoms of PSP
Date warning issued	31 May 2023
Affected area	Port Underwood
Shellfish affected	Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish. 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	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	Paralytic shellfish toxins have been detected in mussels throughout Port Underwood at levels well over the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by New Zealand Food Safety. Ongoing testing will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly.

Map of the affected area

Map of affected area from Rarangi to Rununder Point, Port Underwood area in Marlborough.

Public warnings about toxic shellfish

We test shellfish and seawater for toxic algae every week from popular shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand. If the shellfish are not safe to eat, we issue public health warnings and put up signs at affected beaches.

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If you get sick after eating shellfish

If someone gets sick after eating shellfish, make sure you:

phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or get medical help immediately
advise your nearest public health unit
keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

Find your nearest public health unit – Ministry of Health

Safety of commercially sold shellfish

The warnings on this page are only for recreational shellfish that people can collect themselves. The warnings do not apply to shellfish that you can buy from shops or supermarkets, or shellfish for export.

We have strict water and flesh monitoring programmes for commercial shellfish to ensure it's safe to eat. If commercial shellfish become toxic, the shellfish cannot be harvested or sold, and the growing areas are closed.