OTTAWA – 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 November 3, 2011 from Area: BC 13, sub area 13, are affected by this alert:
| Processor | Product | Size | Lot code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walcan Seafood Ltd., Heriot Bay, BC | Aquacultured Gallo Mussels | 10 lb bags | Lot # SB174 |
These mussels were primarily distributed to institutional clients such as restaurants. However, the affected mussels were sold as "Sawmill Bay Mussels" between November 4 to 6, 2011 at one retailer, Daily Catch, which is located at 1418 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia. Consumers who are unsure whether they have the affected product are advised to check with their retailer or supplier.
This product has been distributed in British Columbia.
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 distributor, Sawmill Bay Shellfish Company Ltd., Heriot Bay, BC, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information consumers and industry can call 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.
Source: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency