Food Alert: Botany Bay, Georges River recreational shellfish

NSW Food Authority advises:

Shellfish taken by recreational fishers in the Botany Bay or the Georges River areas should not be eaten.

The warning applies to oysters, mussels, cockles, clams, the gut of rock lobster, the gut of abalone,  periwinkles, sea urchins or crabs taken from these areas.

It does not apply to shellfish purchased through commercial seafood outlets as shellfish farms have ceased harvesting in the affected areas.

This follows NSW Department of Primary Industries advice that a toxic algal bloom has been detected in the waters of Botany Bay.

The algae detected produces paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins.

The level of toxin is above safe levels for human consumption.

Cooking does not destroy the toxins.

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include tingling in the mouth and extremities, pins and needles, unsteadiness on the feet, weakness of the arms or legs and nausea.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after eating wild seafood from or near the affected area should seek immediate medical attention.

Anyone experiencing health effects after contact with water affected by algal blooms should also seek prompt medical advice.

Source: NSW Food Authority, 24 November 2012