Public Health Warning Lifted at Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands

3rd June 2009

Dr Simon Baker, Medical Officer of Health at Auckland Regional Public Health Service, today lifted the public health warning which was put in place on 7th May 2009 for all shellfish harvested from the Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands.

Results of shellfish testing for the Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin over the past two weeks have shown that shellfish are now clear of the toxin.

Regular testing of shellfish will continue as part of the ongoing biotoxin monitoring programme. This is to ensure that all species of shellfish are safe to eat, and any increases in toxin levels are detected promptly.

As toxin levels can increase quickly in shellfish, people should continue to exercise caution before collecting shellfish by listening to media reports, inquiring locally and by looking for warning signs at beach access points.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) also publishes up to date information on their website at: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/marine-biotoxins

Contact

Dr Simon Baker
Medical Officer of Health or the Duty Health Protection Officer
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
(09) 623 4600


Sally Young
Communications Manager
021 938 431
623 4600 x 27135
sallyy@adhb.govt.nz