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March 15, 2026
#hauora #regional: Public health warning issued over shellfish in Canterbury
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 15, 2026
A public health warning has been issued for parts of Canterbury after elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins were detected in coastal waters, prompting authorities to warn people not to gather or eat shellfish from the affected area.
New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public to avoid collecting or consuming shellfish taken from the northern side of Banks Peninsula, with the warning covering coastal waters stretching from New Brighton through to the northern side of Hickory Bay.
The advisory applies to a wide range of shellfish species commonly gathered recreationally. These include mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, along with other species such as cat’s eyes, Cook’s turban shells and kina.
Officials say the warning follows testing that found the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins at levels that could pose a risk to human health. These toxins occur naturally and cannot be removed through cooking, meaning contaminated shellfish remain unsafe to eat even after preparation.
Health authorities warn that eating shellfish contaminated with these toxins can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Symptoms can include numbness in the mouth or limbs, gastrointestinal discomfort and other neurological effects. In severe cases the toxin can cause paralysis and respiratory complications.
Some seafood species may still be safe to consume with precautions. Pāua, crab and crayfish can be eaten if the gut is completely removed before cooking, as the toxins accumulate primarily in the digestive organs. If the gut is not removed, the toxin can contaminate the meat during cooking.
Authorities are urging anyone who has already gathered shellfish from the affected area to discard it and avoid eating it. Ongoing monitoring will continue as officials track toxin levels in the water and shellfish populations.
The warning applies to recreationally gathered shellfish only. Commercial shellfish sold through shops and supermarkets is subject to strict monitoring and safety testing programmes before reaching consumers.
Officials say the advisory will remain in place until testing confirms toxin levels have dropped back to safe limits.
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