FDA Issues Warning on Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning: Key Information for Consumers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent advisory for consumers to avoid shellfish from Oregon and Washington state due to contamination with toxins causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Here’s what you need to know:

Contaminated Areas and Distribution
The FDA specifically advises against consuming oysters and bay clams harvested from:

• Netarts and Tillamook bays in northern Oregon since May 28
• Areas around Willapa Bay in southern Washington since May 26
• These contaminated shellfish have been distributed to several states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, and New York.
• Restaurants and retailers in these areas are advised not to serve or sell shellfish from these sources.

Health Impact and Symptoms
PSP is caused by saxitoxin, a neurotoxin produced by algae. Symptoms typically appear within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption and can include:

• Numbness of the mouth and lips
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat in severe cases
• There is no antidote for PSP, and severe cases may require mechanical ventilation. However, patients surviving the first 24 hours generally have a good prognosis with no lasting effects.

Cooking and Safety
Authorities warn that cooking or freezing contaminated shellfish does not eliminate the toxins. Consumers are urged to avoid eating potentially contaminated shellfish altogether.

Response and Measures
In response to the outbreak, Oregon has closed its entire coastline to the harvesting of mussels, razor clams, and bay clams. Additionally, commercial oyster harvesting has been halted in the affected bays. Washington state has also closed its Pacific coastline to the harvesting of various shellfish.

Environmental Factors
A significant algal bloom, driven by favorable wind and water conditions, high water temperatures, and nutrient run-off, has led to unprecedented PSP toxin levels along Oregon’s coast. This situation may persist for weeks to months, or even up to a year, depending on the shellfish species.

Ongoing Monitoring
The Oregon Department of Agriculture continues to test for shellfish toxins at least twice a month. Areas will only reopen for harvesting after two consecutive tests show toxin levels below safe thresholds.

Consumers are advised to stay informed and exercise caution when consuming shellfish from affected regions. For the latest updates and detailed information, consult the FDA and state health department resources.

About Us
Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.

Locations:
136–21 Roosevelt Ave,
Flushing, NY 11354
Phone: (718) 888–1808
FAX: 833–888–1808

139–11 Franklin Avenue
Flushing, NY 11355
Phone: 718–888–9909
FAX: 833–888–1808

384 Grand Street Front #3
New York, NY 10002
Phone: 718–888–8879
FAX: 833–888–1808

5–33 48th Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 718–888–1117
FAX: 833–888–1808

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is meant to be a helpful starting point for your own research and should not be solely relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. The author of this blog makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented on this site. Under no circumstances should the author be held liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, exercise routine, or lifestyle, or when seeking advice regarding a specific medical condition or health concern. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. This blog may contain links to external websites that are not affiliated with the author. The author is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of such external sites. Any references to products, services, or health care providers on this website are not an endorsement or recommendation by the author. By using this blog, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the author, their agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including legal fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of this blog and its content.