The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning to consumers and businesses to avoid shellfish from Oregon and Washington that may be contaminated with paralytic shellfish toxins (PST).
The affected shellfish include oysters and bay clams harvested from Netarts Bay and Tillamook Bay in Oregon on or after May 28, and all shellfish species from Willapa Bay in Washington harvested from May 26 to May 30.
FDA Issues Warning for Paralytic Shellfish Toxins
These potentially contaminated shellfish have been distributed to restaurants, food retailers, and consumers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
The FDA has advised businesses to refrain from serving or selling these shellfish and to dispose of them immediately. Consumers are also warned not to eat the shellfish, as they may be contaminated with toxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
PSP occurs when individuals consume shellfish contaminated with saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin. Symptoms of PSP can manifest within 30 minutes of ingestion and range from mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms to severe respiratory paralysis.
According to the National Library of Medicine, while most patients recover without treatment, severe cases can lead to respiratory failure and death if not promptly addressed.
Understanding Paralytic Shellfish Toxins
Paralytic shellfish toxins are natural toxins produced by marine algae that contaminate shellfish. The FDA noted that these toxins cannot be eliminated by cooking or freezing and that contaminated shellfish can appear, smell, and taste normal.
The duration that shellfish retain these toxins varies, with some species cleansing themselves quickly, while others may take longer, prolonging the risk to human health.
The FDA's warning emphasized that businesses and consumers should be vigilant and discard any shellfish that might be affected.
The symptoms of PSP typically include tingling or numbness of the lips, mouth, and tongue, a "pins and needles" sensation, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms after consuming shellfish should seek immediate medical attention and report their condition to local health authorities.
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Ongoing Investigation on the Contaminated Shellfish
The Oregon Agriculture Department alerted the FDA on May 30 about the elevated levels of PSP in certain oysters and bay clams, prompting a recall.
On the same day, the Washington Health Department issued a similar recall for all shellfish species harvested from Willapa Bay due to elevated PSP levels.
The FDA is currently gathering more information on the distribution of the affected shellfish and continues to monitor the situation closely, offering support to state authorities as needed. The agency has committed to providing updates as new information becomes available.
Additionally, the FDA advises against consuming shellfish from the specified regions in Oregon and Washington until further notice. Consumers are strongly advised against consuming these shellfish, while businesses are urged not to sell or serve them.
The public is urged to stay informed and heed safety alerts to prevent the risk of PSP. Furthermore, the FDA emphasizes the importance of reporting any related symptoms promptly to healthcare providers and local health departments.
