Deadly Toxins Found In Shellfish From Sonoma County: CA Officials

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Shellfish – meaning mussels, clams or whole scallops – recreationally harvested in Sonoma County should not be eaten by consumers at this time, the California Department of Public Health warned this week. Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning – or PSP – toxins have been detected in mussels from the area, state health officials said.

The naturally occurring toxins, which cooking does not destroy, can cause illness or even death in humans, according to the advisory.

The warning comes after Marin County Public Health confirmed one case of illness from paralytic shellfish poison on Tuesday. The person began feeling symptoms of PSP after eating mussels harvested on Sunday in Dillon Beach. They are expected to recover.

According to CDPH:

"PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur."

Officials did not say exactly where in Sonoma County the mussels containing PSP were discovered.

Consumers should note that the warning for Sonoma County does not apply to clams, mussels, scallops or oysters commercially sold by approved sources, according to Corey Egel, spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health.

"State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products," Egel stated in a news release. "Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins."

Photo credit: Mark Heighes/Shutterstock.com