With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Don’t Serve That Shellfish: Oysters And Clams Could Be Contaminated
A pile of unshucked oysters sitting on small pebble ice.
(
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
/
Getty Images North America
)
People in California and seven other states are being warned to avoid eating oysters, bay clams, and certain shellfish harvested from Oregon and Washington over the last several weeks.
They could be contaminated with paralytic shellfish poisoning, which is caused by a naturally occurring toxin produced by marine algae. At least 31 people have gotten sick so far, according to Oregon health officials.
Consuming the contaminated seafood can cause tingling, numbness, respiratory paralysis, and a range of several other symptoms within just half an hour. The food may taste and smell normal, but the toxins cannot be removed by cooking or freezing, according to the FDA.
What to watch out for
The advisory covers oysters and bay clams from Netarts Bay and Tillamook Bay in Oregon, as well as all shellfish species from the growing areas in Willapa Bay, Washington, harvested on or after the last week of May.
Support for LAist comes from
The products were sent to restaurants and retailers across the country, but they’re now being warned not to serve or sell them.
The entire Oregon coast, from Washington to the California border, has also been closed for the harvesting of razor clams, mussels, and bay clams. Most of the Washington coast is closed for all species, including scallops, oysters, and snails, according to a state department of health map.
But why?
The seafood may be contaminated with neurotoxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Most of the toxins are produced by algae, and as the shellfish eat the algae, their flesh holds onto some of the toxins for different lengths of time. While some species cleanse themselves pretty quickly, some are much slower, which poses more of a problem for the people eating them.
Most people with paralytic shellfish poisoning will start showing symptoms within 30 minutes, according to the FDA. They include a tingling tongue, numbness, weakness, a floating feeling, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, and headaches.
Support for LAist comes from
Some will need to seek medical treatment for respiratory support and fluid therapy, but people who survive the first day should recover without any lasting side effects.
However, paralytic shellfish poisoning can be deadly, typically from asphyxiation.
The severity of the illness can range, so if your shellfish seemed suspicious, contact your healthcare provider just in case.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist