Toxic shellfish warning for holiday spots

A shellfish warning has gone out for popular holiday spots on the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline.

High levels of paralytic shellfish poison have been confirmed along the stretch of coast.

Medical Officer of Health Phil Shoemack says shellfish should not be collected from around Tairua to the mouth of the Motu River beyond Opotiki.

Mr. Shoemack says the warning affects all shellfish, and people need to remember cooking them does not kill the PSP.

In severe cases, eating affected shellfish can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and even death.

- NEWSTALK ZB