A “do not eat” warning has been issued by Tasmania’s Department of Health for wild shellfish taken from the state’s south east.
The health alert was issued on Friday afternoon and applies to recreationally-caught shellfish taken from the Boomer Bay area, including Boomer Bay, Little Boomer Bay and Boomer Bay East extending to the east of Dunalley.
Recent tests have revealed elevated levels of biotoxins or harmful algal blooms, which the Health Department say are “harmful to humans”.
Recreationally harvested mussels, oysters, clams, pipis, cockles, wedge shells abalone and scallop roe, as well as the intestines and livers (tomalley) of rock lobster, should not be eaten.
“Seek medical help if you get sick after eating wild shellfish. Symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after eating shellfish. Cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy the toxins that cause shellfish poisoning,” the department say.
“Shellfish poisoning symptoms include tingling or numbness, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.”
“If you experience paralytic shellfish poisoning symptoms after eating wild shellfish, go to your nearest emergency department or call 000.”
Seafood in shops and restaurants remains safe to eat, as the Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program is actively monitoring the safety of commercially grown shellfish.
