New Zealand warns against eating wild shellfish in eastern Bay of Plenty due to dangerous toxins from algal bloom.

New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public warning against collecting or eating wild shellfish in the eastern Bay of Plenty, from Opape to East Cape, due to paralytic shellfish toxins exceeding safe levels. Tests found toxin levels in mussels from Te Kaha more than double the limit, linked to a spreading algal bloom. The toxins, which cannot be removed by cooking, can cause numbness, breathing difficulties, paralysis, and death within minutes to hours. Bivalves like mussels, oysters, and cockles are unsafe; pāua, crab, and crayfish may be safe if gutted. No illnesses have been reported. Commercial shellfish remain safe. Authorities are monitoring the situation and urge anyone with symptoms to seek medical help.