Shellfish toxin resistant to heat destruction spreads along Busan Gamcheon coast

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jonghyo] Busan City announced on the 11th that paralytic shellfish toxin exceeding the permissible limit (80㎍/100g) was detected at 96㎍/100g in mussels from the Gamcheon sea area in Saha-gu, leading to a ban on shellfish harvesting.

Paralytic shellfish toxin accumulates when shellfish consume toxic prey. When ingested by humans, it causes paralysis symptoms, known as paralytic shellfish poisoning.

After eating toxic shellfish (such as Jinju mussels, oysters, and clams), paralysis begins to appear on the lips, tongue, and face within 30 minutes. It then progresses to full-body paralysis including the throat and arms, accompanied by symptoms such as headache and vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis can lead to death. Furthermore, freezing, refrigeration, heating, or cooking do not destroy the toxin.

A Busan City official stated, “We have currently formed and are operating a shellfish toxin damage prevention task force, and are strengthening publicity to inform about the shellfish harvesting ban areas in cooperation with the Fisheries Resources Research Institute, the relevant districts and counties, and the Fisheries Cooperative.” He added, “We will also take thorough measures to prevent food poisoning accidents caused by shellfish toxins, including strengthening origin labeling on shellfish in distribution.”

The status of shellfish toxin occurrences can be checked on the National Institute of Fisheries Science website and through the smartphone application (Shellfish Toxin Information).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.