(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a critical announcement, the Food Drug Administration (FDA) warned regarding the sale and consumption of specific shellfish from Oregon and Washington due to potential contamination with paralytic toxins.
The warning pertained to the following seafood items that could cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP):
- Oysters and bay clams harvested from growing areas in Netarts Bay and Tillamook Bay, Oregon, harvested on or after May 28.
- All shellfish species from growing areas in Willapa Bay, Washington, harvested between May 26 and May 20.
- All shellfish from the Bay Center, harvested between May 29-30.
- All shellfish from Bruceport, harvested between May 29-30 and distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
Shellfish contaminated with natural toxins from the water can lead to illness as these toxins are often produced by naturally occurring marine algae. The shellfish consume the algae, causing the toxins to accumulate in their flesh.
The FDA also explained that even though some species rid themselves of toxins quickly, the process is slower for others.
While the FDA cautioned that food contaminated with such toxins might appear, smell, and taste normal, cooking or freezing cannot eliminate them.
Moreover, consumers who experience symptoms of illness after consuming these products should contact their healthcare provider and inform their local Health Department of their symptoms.
Symptoms of PSP typically manifest about 30 minutes after consumption and may include tingling of the lips, mouth, and tongue, respiratory paralysis, and numbness of the arms and legs.
The FDA is awaiting further details about the distribution of the shellfish. It will continue to monitor the situation and assist state authorities as necessary.
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