Californians Warned of Paralytic Poison Risk from Mussels Gathered on Coast

Dangerous toxins present in mussels collected along the state’s coastline can cause severe reactions in humans, including death, officials warned.

A surf scoter captures a prize mussel. Courtesy of Karen Gough

California public health officials warned the public April 30 of a dangerous toxin present in mussels gathered by recreational harvesters along the coast that can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, shellfish poisoning.

The California Public Health Department has issued its annual quarantine of all species of mussels gathered by recreational sport harvesters from the state’s ocean shore from May 1 though Oct. 31.