Several shellfish harvesting sites in Scotland have been closed following the detection of unusually high levels of toxins, according to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Shellfish toxins are produced by naturally occurring marine phytoplankton, and detected levels are higher in summer months. These toxins can lead to food poisoning.
FSA also noted that it was informed approximately 70 people in south east England have reported symptoms consistent with diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. The vast majority of cases occurred between 13 and 15 July.
The cases of food poisoning were linked to the consumption of mussels originating from a particular harvesting area in Shetland, Scotland. The FSA's weekly monitoring programme found a high toxin level was detected in Shetland. The area has been closed, and as a precautionary measure the industry has voluntarily suspended all commercial harvesting from the waters around Shetland until toxin levels subside.
The business that supplied the shellfish, Shetland Mussels, has contacted its customers and advised the FSA that all of the mussels from this batch have either been consumed or disposed of. The local authority is investigating and coordinating closely with the FSA.
The mussels had been supplied to a number of restaurants, some through a number of intermediary suppliers.
