Deadly toxic algal bloom spreading

A potentially fatal toxic algal bloom affecting parts of New Zealand's coastline is likely to spread further, says a food safety expert.

Food Safety Authority's (NZSFA) principal adviser (shellfish) Jim Sim said testing indicated the toxic algal bloom might continue to spread.

In 2000, the west coast and much of the east coast of the North Island was affected for a number of months by the algae, with dangerously high toxin levels recorded.

The NZFSA and Ministry of Health said in a joint statement that people in parts of Taranaki, Waikato and Auckland regions should not collect or eat shellfish because of the spread of the algal bloom.

This follows recent marine biotoxin warnings issued by several district health boards.

NZFSA advised people not to collect or eat shellfish at Ohawe Beach in Taranaki north to Kawhia (excluding Kawhia Harbour) in Waikato.

Also affected are west coast beaches between the Manukau Harbour entrance north to the Kaipara Harbour entrance, excluding both Manukau and Kaipara Harbours.

Hawkes Bay and the east coast of the North Island are also subject to a marine biotoxin warning, caused by the same toxic algae.

"Routine testing of shellfish in these areas has shown higher than acceptable levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP)," said the NZFSA.

Anyone eating these toxic shellfish is potentially at risk of illness.

Shellfish such as mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, toheroa and scallops should not be eaten. Kina should not be eaten.

Paua, crayfish and crabs can be eaten safely if the gut is removed before cooking but the gut should not be eaten, said the NZFSA.

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning can occur within 12 hours of eating affected shellfish and can include: numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, and extremities first; difficulty swallowing, or breathing; headache, dizziness, and double vision.

Consumption of shellfish containing very high levels of PSP toxin can be fatal.

Due to an unrelated toxic algal bloom, part of the West Coast of the South Island is subject to a marine biotoxin warning as well.

- NZPA