Deadly Poison Level Found in Mussels Off Calif. Coast
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SACRAMENTO — Dangerous levels of deadly shellfish poison have been found in mussels along the coast of Marin County, the state Department of Health Services announced Saturday.
Consumption of the tainted shellfish can result in death or paralysis. In addition, harvesters were asked to refrain from collecting clams, cockles, scallops and other bivalve mollusks along the San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma County coastlines until further notice.
Department records note 505 cases of shellfish poisoning in California since 1927, with 32 of them resulting in death. There is no known antidote to the poison, and it is not removed by cooking.
The highest levels of poison in shellfish are found iun warm weather, and the state imposes a quarantine on sports harvesting of mussels between May 1 and Oct. 31 each year.
Fish abalone, shrimp and crabs are not subject to the poisoning, and can be considered safe.
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