The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning to consumers, advising them to avoid eating shellfish from Oregon and Washington state due to potential contamination with toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. This toxin, known as PSP, is produced by algae and can have serious health implications for those who consume contaminated shellfish.
While Oregon and Washington have already prohibited shellfish harvesting along their coastlines, shellfish that were harvested prior to the ban have already been distributed across the country. As a result, at least 31 people have fallen ill from paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Elevated levels of toxins were first detected in shellfish on the Oregon coast in mid-May, leading to an outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning that has affected numerous individuals in the state. The Oregon Health Authority is currently investigating the outbreak and has urged anyone who has come into contact with Oregon shellfish since mid-May to report their symptoms.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is caused by saxitoxin, a neurotoxin that damages nerve tissue. Symptoms of PSP include numbness of the mouth and lips, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. There is no antidote for PSP, and severe cases may require mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.
The shellfish industry in the Pacific Northwest is a significant contributor to the region’s economy, generating $270 million annually and employing over 3,200 people. The current harvesting closures due to the paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreak may have a substantial economic impact on the industry.
It may take weeks, months, or even up to a year for toxin levels to subside in the affected shellfish, depending on the type of shellfish. Mussels can rid themselves of the toxin relatively quickly, while razor clams may take several months to a year to cleanse themselves. The ongoing closures in Oregon and Washington are essential to protect consumers from the potential health risks associated with contaminated shellfish.
Overall, the recent outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring shellfish safety and the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood. Consumers are advised to heed the FDA’s warning and avoid shellfish from Oregon and Washington until further notice.