Health Warning in San Diego: Avoid Locally Harvested Shellfish!

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Residents are advised to avoid locally harvested shellfish due to health warnings regarding domoic acid.

News Summary

San Diego residents are urged to avoid shellfish harvested locally due to alarming levels of domoic acid, which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning. This warning applies to mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters not purchased from state-certified sources. While store-bought shellfish from certified harvesters remains safe, symptoms of poisoning can develop quickly. The California Department of Public Health is conducting ongoing testing, and marine mammals are also at risk from this toxin. Residents are advised to stay informed and report any stranded marine animals.

Health Warning in San Diego: Avoid Locally Harvested Shellfish!

Hey there, San Diego! If you love indulging in locally harvested seafood like mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters, we’ve got some important news for you. The San Diego County health officials are cautioning residents to steer clear of shellfish that hasn’t been purchased from state-certified commercial harvesters or dealers. This is a serious warning, folks, so let’s dive into the details.

What’s the Deal with Domoic Acid?

Recently, health officials have detected dangerously high levels of a toxin called domoic acid in locally harvested mussels. This isn’t just a mild concern—it can lead to something called amnesic shellfish poisoning. And no one wants to deal with those unpleasant symptoms! Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties are also in the mix, issuing similar advisories to their residents about the same concern regarding shellfish. So, it looks like this issue extends beyond just our sunny city.

Store-Bought Shellfish Is Still Safe

Now, before you panic and toss out your clam chowder recipe, here’s a piece of comforting news. Shellfish sold in stores—yes, even the local markets and restaurants—are not affected by this warning as long as they come from state-certified commercial harvesters and dealers. These certified sources undergo regular testing to ensure their seafood is safe for consumption. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so double-check where your seafood is coming from!

Watch Out for Symptoms!

What exactly should you be on the lookout for? If you accidentally consume contaminated shellfish, symptoms can kick in pretty quickly—anywhere between 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating. You might experience awful things like abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, or vomiting. While mild cases usually resolve within a few days, severe cases can lead to much graver issues. These could include difficulty breathing, confusion, and even memory loss. Yes, that’s right—permanent memory loss! Always take these warnings seriously.

Testing Continues

To ensure the safety of our local seafood, the California Department of Public Health is stepping up its game and will be conducting ongoing local sampling. This is crucial in assessing when sport-harvested shellfish can be deemed safe to munch on again. So, keep an ear out for any updates on this front.

Marine Mammals Are At Risk Too

It’s not just humans who need to watch out for this toxin. Marine life is also affected by domoic acid. If you happen to come across any injured or deceased marine mammals, please stay at least 50 yards away from them. It’s super important to maintain a safe distance. If you encounter sick marine animals, call SeaWorld Rescue at 800-541-7325. For any deceased marine mammals or sea turtles, you’ll want to report them to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at 858-546-7162. These actions can help protect both you and our marine friends!

Stay Informed!

If you’re looking for more information or have any questions, you can easily visit the San Diego County health department’s website. You can also call the state’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at 800-553-4133. Knowledge is power—so let’s stay informed and ensure our oceans and our plates are safe.

Take care, San Diego! Enjoy the beautiful seaside, but keep those shellfish choices safe!