November 06, 2012
Shellfish warning for Waikato coast
Māori are being warned they are not immune to the effects of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
The Waikato District Health Board has issued a public health warning against harvesting shellfish from the coast or harbours between Manukau Harbour and Mohakatino in northern Taranaki, after samples taken from Kawhia and Raglan showed high levels of the PSP toxin.
Board spokesperson Kingi Turner says Maori who are big consumers of kaimoana can become complacent.
"I know sometimes we Māori think we have a cast iron stomach and we can endure some foreign substance in our kaimoana but I think we've got to take this warning seriously, especially when it comes to our tamariki and mokopuna," he says.
Kina, mussels, toheroa, pipis, tuatua, oysters, cockles and scallops from the area should be avoided, and any trace of gut from paua and crayfish should be removed before cooking.
Symptoms of PSP include numbness, dizziness, difficulty breathing and swallowing and, in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure, in which usually occurs within 12 hours of consuming shellfish.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd