Avoid Wild-Harvested Shellfish Due to Toxic Acid

HUMBOLDT COUNTY (KIEM)– The California Department of Public Health is advising consumers to not eat mussels from Humboldt and Mendocino Counties.

Dangerous levels of Domoic Acid or Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) has been detected and it can cause illness or even death among people.

Unfortunately cooking does not destroy the toxin.

The annual mussel quarantine will continue through at least October 31 and applies to all species of mussels harvested along California coasts, all bays and estuaries.

Symptoms of ASP can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating the toxic seafood.

Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches and dizziness.

In severe cases one can experience trouble breathing, seizures, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma or death.