THE discovery of toxins in mussels from a Tasmanian seafood company has prompted a worldwide recall of the shellfish.
Spring Bay Seafoods has been forced to close temporarily and has recalled its award-winning blue mussels from its Asian customers.
The mussels, sold in their shells, have also been taken off Tasmanian and interstate shelves.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Bryan Green said he was extremely disappointed about the spread of the toxin, which was the result of a naturally occurring algal bloom.
"This is devastating for Spring Bay Seafoods and its workforce and we will keep the public up to date with information as it comes to hand," Mr Green said.
"Tasmania has an excellent reputation for high-quality, safe shellfish and it is hoped this is a short-term event and will have no lasting impacts. Public health is a priority and the closure is a precautionary measure."
Public health director Roscoe Taylor said the recall was prompted by the discovery of unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish toxins in the mussels, which are farmed near Maria Island.
Authorities have also stopped more than 10 nearby seafood farms from harvesting their shellfish. Dr Taylor said shellfish farms in Little Swanport, Georges Bay, Great Oyster Bay and Ansons Bay had been closed as a precaution.
The outbreak has also prompted extra testing of East Coast scallops. Although there is no ban on eating farmed scallops at this stage, the public has been warned against eating wild scallops.
Dr Taylor said symptoms of poisoning from the shellfish could occur within hours of consumption.
"I strongly stress people should not harvest or eat any wild shellfish from these affected areas as it could result in potentially fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning," Dr Taylor warned.
"No reports have been received of mussel or other shellfish-related illness, but high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins can be fatal in extreme cases and children are more susceptible."
Dr Taylor said poisoning symptoms included tingling in the mouth and extremities, pins and needles, unsteadiness on the feet, weakness of the arms or legs and nausea.
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