Advisory details
Ottawa, October 15, 2011 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to serve or consume the raw mussels described below because they may contain paralytic shellfish toxins that can cause illness if consumed.
The following raw mussels, harvested between October 2 to 14, 2011 from sub area 15-4, Okeover inlet in British Columbia, are affected by this alert:
| Processor | Product | Size | Lot code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquatec Seafoods Ltd., Comox, BC | Mussels | 10 lb bags 20 lb bags |
Lot #453 (Harvest date October 3/11) Lot #466 (Harvest date October 10/11) |
| Taylor Shellfish Canada DBA Fanny Bay Oysters, Union Bay, BC |
Farmed Salish Mussels | 10 lb & 20 lb | 6206 (Harvest date Oct. 02/11) 6233 (Harvest date Oct. 9/11) |
These mussels were primarily distributed to wholesalers and institutional clients such as restaurants. However, the affected mussels may also have been sold in smaller quantities at some retail seafood counters. Consumers who are unsure whether they have the affected products are advised to check with their retailer or supplier.
This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. However, it may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
There have been no reported cases of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) associated with the consumption of these mussels.
Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate PSP toxins. These toxins can cause PSP if consumed. Symptoms of PSP include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death in as quickly as 12 hours.
The shellfish processors are voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
For more information on Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/pspe.shtml
For information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA’s Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp.
To find out more about receiving recalls by e-mail, and other food safety facts, visit: www.foodsafety.gc.ca. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.
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