Subject: PSP in Mussels

CANADA: Health hazard alert – Certain raw mussels harvested in British Columbia may contain paralytic shellfish toxin

15.oct.11
CFIA

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20111015e.shtml

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to serve or consume the raw mussels described below because they may contain paralytic shellfish toxins that can cause illness if consumed.

The following raw mussels, harvested between October 2 to 14, 2011 from sub area 15-4, Okeover inlet in British Columbia, are affected by this alert:

Aquatec Seafoods Ltd., Comox, BC Mussels 10 lb bags
20 lbbags Lot #453 (Harvest date October 3/11)
Lot #466 (Harvest date October 10/11)

Taylor Shellfish Canada DBAFanny Bay Oysters,
Union Bay, BC Farmed Salish Mussels 10 lb & 20 lb 6206 (Harvest date Oct. 02/11)
6233 (Harvest date abbr title="October">Oct. 9/11)

These mussels were primarily distributed to wholesalers and institutional clients such as restaurants. However, the affected mussels may also have been sold in smaller quantities at some retail seafood counters. Consumers who are unsure whether they have the affected products are advised to check with their retailer or supplier.
This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. However, it may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

There have been no reported cases of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) associated with the consumption of these mussels.

Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate PSP toxins. These toxins can cause PSP if consumed. Symptoms of PSP include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death in as quickly as 12 hours.
The shellfish processors are voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday). 
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