The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued its annual shellfish safety warning, which will take effect on May 1. This warning advises consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels along the California coast until at least October 31. The purpose of this warning is to protect the public from poisoning that can result in serious illness.
Commercially harvested shellfish, whether from restaurants or fish markets, are exempt from this warning. This is because commercial harvesters in California are certified by the CDPH and subject to strict testing requirements to ensure that all shellfish entering the marketplace are toxin-free. Therefore, mussels available for commercial consumption are safe to eat.
The annual mussel warning is aimed at preventing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid poisoning, also known as amnesic shellfish poisoning. These illnesses are caused by naturally occurring toxins that can be present in shellfish, such as mussels and clams. Cooking does not eliminate these toxins, and early symptoms of poisoning can include tingling of the lips and tongue, followed by more severe symptoms like loss of balance, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing.
In severe cases, poisoning can lead to trouble breathing, confusion, and disorientation, requiring immediate medical attention. To reduce health risks, sport harvesters are advised to avoid eating mussels harvested recreationally during the summer months starting on May 1. More information about the quarantine PSP and domoic acid poisoning can be found on the CDPH website. For updates on quarantines and shellfish toxins individuals can call the CDPH Biotoxin Information Line at (800) 553-4133.
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