Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)

Description and health risks:

Eating seafood and marine products contaminated with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) can be hazardous to your health. PSP toxins are accumulated by shellfish that graze on the algae that produce these toxins. Symptoms of human PSP poisoning range from mild tingling or numbness to complete respiratory paralysis. In fatal cases, respiratory paralysis occurs within 2 to 12 hours of eating food contaminated with PSP toxins.

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.