Broken Bay residents urged to avoid seafood days before Christmas
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With Christmas Day fast approaching, residents of the Broken Bay area in Sydney are being warned against consuming seafood collected or caught in the local area due to an outbreak of toxic algae bloom, as this could result in a number of uncomfortable and possibly even deadly side effects.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has warned that bivalves (mussels and oysters) and hepatopancreas (the guts of crabs and lobsters) should not be consumed by recreational fishers in the affected area.
This includes the waters of Broken Bay upstream to Cowan Creek, as well as the coastal zone between Little Beach (Bouddi) and Bangalley Headland and Pittwater.
Deputy Director General for Biosecurity and Food Safety John Tracey said the harmful toxins released by certain toxic algae species could possibly cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
Symptoms of PSP include:
I plan on preparing and cooking the seafood myself; should I still be concerned about PSP?
Sadly, according to Mr Tracey, cooking and freezing the affected seafood does not remove the risks posed by the PSP-causing toxin.
If you or anyone you know experiences any of the mentioned symptoms after consuming seafood from either Broken Bay or the surrounding areas, it's best to call Triple Zero (000) and see a doctor immediately.
The good news is that there shouldn't be a problem with seafood purchased at shops or restaurants, as the NSW Food Authority monitors the safety of commercially-harvested shellfish carefully.
Members, especially those around the Broken Bay area, you read it here! Please heed this warning and make sure to check for any advisories before consuming or collecting any seafood from the local waters.
Stay safe, and here's to a happy and healthy holiday season!
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has warned that bivalves (mussels and oysters) and hepatopancreas (the guts of crabs and lobsters) should not be consumed by recreational fishers in the affected area.
This includes the waters of Broken Bay upstream to Cowan Creek, as well as the coastal zone between Little Beach (Bouddi) and Bangalley Headland and Pittwater.
Deputy Director General for Biosecurity and Food Safety John Tracey said the harmful toxins released by certain toxic algae species could possibly cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
Symptoms of PSP include:
- numbness, tingling, and a prickly feeling around the mouth, face and extremities
- blurred vision
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting,
- diarrhoea
- paralysis or weakness
- respiratory and cardiac failure
- in severe cases, even death
I plan on preparing and cooking the seafood myself; should I still be concerned about PSP?
Sadly, according to Mr Tracey, cooking and freezing the affected seafood does not remove the risks posed by the PSP-causing toxin.
If you or anyone you know experiences any of the mentioned symptoms after consuming seafood from either Broken Bay or the surrounding areas, it's best to call Triple Zero (000) and see a doctor immediately.
The good news is that there shouldn't be a problem with seafood purchased at shops or restaurants, as the NSW Food Authority monitors the safety of commercially-harvested shellfish carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Sydneysiders should not eat any seafood caught in the Broken Bay area, including mussels and oysters, as well as the guts of crabs and lobsters.
- If eaten, symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) could occur and could lead to serious health complications. If any symptoms of PSP are experienced, medical attention should be sought immediately.
- Seafood bought from shops and restaurants are safe as they are monitored by the NSW Food Authority.
Members, especially those around the Broken Bay area, you read it here! Please heed this warning and make sure to check for any advisories before consuming or collecting any seafood from the local waters.
Stay safe, and here's to a happy and healthy holiday season!