Mussels with high toxin levels update
Monday 11 September 2006
The Food Standards Agency today issued a Food Alert for information following Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group's withdrawal of a batch of mussels due to the presence of paralytic shellfish poison above statutory limits.
Product details
The affected batch is 1kg nets of live mussels with code M29 on the packaging. It was on sale in Asda, Morrisons and Tesco stores between 4 and 6 September 2006 and has a shelf life of up to 10 September 2006.
People are advised not to eat these mussels and to dispose of them or return them to the store they bought them from for a full refund.
The Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) has undertaken this recall, because its own testing found levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins above the level permitted by law.
About PSP
PSP, which occurs very infrequently, is caused by naturally occurring algal blooms and can pose a health risk.
Symptoms of PSP can include a tingling sensation of the mouth and tongue, and respiratory problems. In very rare cases PSP can be fatal.
Food alerts
Food alerts are the FSA's way of letting local authorities and consumers know about problems associated with food and, in some cases, providing details of specific action to be taken. They are issued under two categories:
- Food Alerts: for Action
- Food Alerts: for Information