Shellfish biotoxin alert for Hawke’s Bay
New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from Hawke Bay.
What you need to know:
- Hawke Bay locals are advised by New Zealand Food Safety not to collect/consume shellfish gathered from Hawke Bay due to the presence of toxins.
- Routine tests on mussels from Pania Reef in Napier have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins over the safe limit.
- The warning extends from Cape Kidnappers, north to Mohaka River.
- Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxins.
- Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
- Products sold in supermarkets and shops will not be of risk.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:
numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
difficulty swallowing or breathing
dizziness and headache
nausea and vomiting
diarrhoea
paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.
If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued:
- Phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation.
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
28.3% With a city-wide public fireworks display
-
20.3% Small fireworks displays in each community
-
7.7% Keep it as is
-
32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
-
10.6% Anything but fireworks
-
0.4% Other - I'll share below