Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP)

Description and health risks:

Eating seafood and shellfish contaminated with amnesia toxins can be harmful to your health. Food poisoning caused by these toxins leads to digestive problems (vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea) within 2 to 24 hours of eating contaminated products. These symptoms may be followed by dizziness, persistent headaches, disorientation and possibly recent memory loss.

People who have consumed a contaminated product and are experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice and disclose their exposure. Symptoms may vary from person to person and may vary in severity depending on the extent of infection.

What foods are concerned?

Avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly from areas where health warnings have been issued about toxins. Consult local authorities for advice on fishing areas and follow their recommendations to reduce exposure to these toxins. Mussels, oysters, cockles, clams and pectinidae (scallops) are likely to be contaminated.