The Food Safety Authority is warning people not to collect or take shellfish from the Castlemaine Harbour at this time.
PSP, which is caused by a naturally occurring toxin associated with certain algal blooms in Irish coastal waters, has been detected in the area. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, in conjunction with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the HSE and the Marine Institute, is warning people not to collect or take shellfish from Castlemaine Harbour.
This follows the detection of significant levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in shellfish samples from the Castlemaine production area. PSP is caused by a naturally occurring toxin associated with certain algal blooms in Irish coastal waters.
The levels of the toxin associated with PSP can increase rapidly in shellfish, when they feed on these algal blooms. These toxins do not harm the shellfish, but at sufficiently high levels, PSP can be fatal in humans, when contaminated shellfish are eaten.
The production area is now closed and is being monitored by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the Marine Institute. The Castlemaine production area is Castlemaine Harbour, extending to Cromane, Rossbeigh and the back of Inch Beach.
