New Zealand Food Safety has issued a warning against collecting or consuming shellfish from the Western Firth of Thames after routine tests at Waimangu Point detected dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish toxins.
The affected area spans from the Waitakaruru River mouth to Pakatoa Island. Shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, and scallops may contain the toxin, which cannot be removed by cooking.
Kina, pāua, crabs, and crayfish are considered safe if properly prepared.
No illnesses have been reported so far, and commercially harvested shellfish remain safe.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed.
