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A baby oyster meat sample collected recently by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) was found to contain Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin at a level of 95 microgrammes per 100 grammes.
"PSP toxin is a natural toxin sometimes found in bi-valved shellfish. It is heat-stable and cannot be destroyed through cooking," a CFS spokesman said today (March 13).
"Based on the level of toxin detected, consumption of around 25 of the concerned baby oysters (assuming each baby oyster weighs five grammes) would reach the dose that may cause symptoms such as numbness of the mouth and extremities and gastrointestinal discomfort.
"The sample was taken from a seafood stall (海運(志記)水產公司) at No A7, Western Wholesale Food Market. The CFS has issued a warning letter to the stall operator and is tracing the source of the baby oysters concerned.
"The CFS has also informed the trade and would continue to monitor the situation closely."
The spokesman advised the public to take the following precautionary measures to avoid shellfish poisoning:
* Buy shellfish from reliable and licensed seafood shops;
* Children, patients and the elderly may be susceptible to poisoning and should be cautious in consuming shellfish;
* Maintain a balanced diet and eat only a small amount of shellfish in any one meal to minimise risk; and
* When symptoms occur after consuming shellfish, seek medical advice immediately.
Ends/Friday, March 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:18
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