Anyone harvesting their own mussels, clams or whole scallops along Monterey County's shoreline better toss them back.
The California Department of Public Health found dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in mussels from the area, according to a Feb. 1 press release.
Anyone who eats bivalve shellfish containing the toxins could become seriously ill or even die.
The warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters from approved sources, since certified commercial harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing.
PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish.
The symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can follow.
More information is available from the CDPH's toll-free Shellfish Information Line at 800-553-4133, or on the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring web page.
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