People in Australia are strongly recommended by the Department of Health not to eat shellfish collected from wild as it may contain toxic. Environmental Health Director Jim Dodds said recent tests confirmed potentially toxic microscopic algae at continuing very high levels within the Peel-Harvey Estuary (South of Mandurah).
According to Dodds this microscopic algae is capable of producing toxins which could be absorbed by filter feeding shellfish. He added that these toxins will not be destroyed by normal cooking processes and have the potential to cause ‘Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning'(DSP). He also told that general rule of health does not allow people to eat such wild shellfish from anywhere in WA as their safety cannot be guaranteed. Shellfish includes oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, cockles and razorclams.
Dodds said farmed shellfish purchased in WA supermarkets were not affected, as there is a strict quality-assurance program to ensure that they were safe for human consumption. Metropolitan recreational waterways are generally monitored for algal blooms. However, if a member of the public suspects an algal bloom in regional recreational waterways, this should be reported to the nearest Department of Water office or to the local council.
