Agency warns against eating certain fresh mussels with high toxin levels
Friday 8 September 2006
Ref: 2006/0663
The Food Standards Agency is today warning people not to eat mussels that may contain potentially harmful levels of toxins.
The affected products are fresh mussels sold in 1 kilo nets by Asda, Morrisons and Tesco�s supermarkets, between Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 September.
People are advised not to eat these mussels and to dispose of them or return them to the store for a full refund.
The Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) has undertaken this recall, because their own testing found levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins above the level permitted by law.
PSP, which occurs very infrequently, is caused by naturally occurring algal blooms and can pose a health risk. Symptoms can include a tingling sensation of the mouth and tongue, and respiratory problems. In very rare cases PSP can be fatal.
SSMG is co-operating with the FSA. It has today issued a press release and is arranging for point of sale notices to be put up in stores.
Notes for editors
1. PSP is caused by naturally occurring algal blooms that can extend over considerable areas.
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