A health alert warning people not to eat recreationally harvested shellfish due to the presence of algal toxins has been issued.
The toxins have been detected in shellfish from in and around White Beach and Nubeena on the Tasman Peninsula.
Authorities say the algal toxins are harmful to humans and advise against eating wild shellfish, including mussels, oysters, clams, pipis, cockles, wedge shells abalone and scallop roe.
The Department of Health said those who get sick after eating wild shellfish should seek medical help immediately.
“Symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after eating shellfish.”
“Cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy the toxins that cause shellfish poisoning.”
Shellfish poisoning symptoms include tingling or numbness, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhoea.
