Steven Barsky
Contributor
DPH WARNS CONSUMERS NOT TO EAT SOME CHANNEL ISLANDS
SHELLFISH, CRUSTACEANS AND FISH
SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is
warning consumers not to eat sport-harvested shellfish or some parts of
sport or commercially harvested crustaceans or small finfish from
offshore the Channel Islands. Elevated levels of the toxin, domoic acid,
has been detected in recent samples of mussels, clams, scallops, and the
viscera of lobster and crab. Again, the toxin is not in the meat of the
lobster and crab, but all viscera, including the roe, should be
discarded. Domoic acid can be harmful to people.
This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels,
scallops or oysters. State law only permits state-certified commercial
shellfish harvester or dealer to sell these products. Shellfish sold by
certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory
testing.
No cases of human poisoning from domoic acid are known to have occurred
in California.
Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24
hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These
symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may
experience difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation,
cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions,
permanent loss of short-term memory, coma and death.
To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and
quarantines, call CDPH toll-free Shellfish Information Line at
(800) 553-4133.
SHELLFISH, CRUSTACEANS AND FISH
SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is
warning consumers not to eat sport-harvested shellfish or some parts of
sport or commercially harvested crustaceans or small finfish from
offshore the Channel Islands. Elevated levels of the toxin, domoic acid,
has been detected in recent samples of mussels, clams, scallops, and the
viscera of lobster and crab. Again, the toxin is not in the meat of the
lobster and crab, but all viscera, including the roe, should be
discarded. Domoic acid can be harmful to people.
This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels,
scallops or oysters. State law only permits state-certified commercial
shellfish harvester or dealer to sell these products. Shellfish sold by
certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory
testing.
No cases of human poisoning from domoic acid are known to have occurred
in California.
Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24
hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These
symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may
experience difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation,
cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions,
permanent loss of short-term memory, coma and death.
To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and
quarantines, call CDPH toll-free Shellfish Information Line at
(800) 553-4133.
