Health Risk Advisory – PSP

Attention Community Members!

We would like to inform that elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins have recently been detected in shellfish harvested around our area.

These toxins cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and they are not destroyed by cooking, freezing, or other food preparation methods. Consumption of contaminated shellfish may result in symptoms such as tingling or numbness of the lips and fingers, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, paralysis, and, in severe cases, death.

We recommend that community members:

•Avoid harvesting or consuming shellfish from areas that are closed due to paralytic shellfish toxins.

•Verify whether a harvesting area is open or closed before collecting shellfish.

•Be aware that recreational harvesting in contaminated areas can pose significant health risks.

Current shellfish harvesting closures can be verified using the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Interactive Shellfish Harvesting Map, which provides up-to-date information on open and closed harvesting areas.

Provided below is an informational document detailing what PSP is, it’s health risks, symptoms, and preventive measures.