Canada: Shellfish Recall Due to to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Canada: Shellfish Recall Due to to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning  

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to serve or consume the raw shellfish products described below because they may contain paralytic shellfish toxins that can cause illness if consumed.

These shellfish products were primarily distributed to wholesalers and institutional clients such as restaurants. However, the affected shellfish products may also have been sold in smaller quantities at some retail seafood counters. Consumers who are unsure whether they have the affected products are advised to check with their retailer or supplier.

These products have been distributed in Alberta and British Columbia. However, they may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

There have been no reported cases of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning associated with the consumption of these products.

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 following raw shellfish products, harvested on August 13, 2013 from sub area 23-6, Effingham Inlet and Useless Inlet in British Columbia, are affected by this alert:

Common Name	Sie	Codes(s) on Product	Additional Info
Oyster N/Shell Effingham XSM	5 dozen	14130	Processor Albion Fisheries Ltd., Richmond
Oyster N/Shell Pac Rim Petite	5 dozen	14130	Processor Albion Fisheries Ltd., Richmond
Clam N/Shell Manila	5 lb	14137	Processor Albion Fisheries Ltd., Richmond
Pacific Rim Petite Oysters	Various	13081401	Processor Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corporation, Vancouver
Manila Clams	Various	13081403	Processor Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corporation, Vancouver
Little Neck Clams	20 lb	13081402	Processor Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corporation, Vancouver
Petite Oysters in Shell	5 dozen	11931	Processor Clear Bay Fisheries Inc., Richmond
Oysters in Shell	5 dozen	11931	Processor Clear Bay Fisheries Inc., Richmond