On December 17, 2020, New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) issued a warning on the risk of shellfish toxin pollution in the sea.

New Zealand MPI advises consumers not to collect shellfish from the entire banks peninsula of Canterbury. The diarrheal shellfish toxin content of the tested shellfish in this sea area is higher than the safety limit of 0.16 mg/kg, and there is a risk of consumption. The affected area is as follows:


Affected shellfish include mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina and all other bivalves.

New Zealand MPI reminds that the symptoms of shellfish poisoning include headache, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, nausea, numbness, and even death in severe cases. Consumers who have symptoms of poisoning should call the health hotline or seek medical attention.

New Zealand MPI will continue to monitor the shellfish toxin levels in the sea area and update relevant information in a timely manner.