A prepackaged scallop sample taken under the food surveillance programme for tests by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) was found to contain Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin. "The level detected is 246 micrograms/100 grams. PSP toxin can cause symptoms such as numbness of the mouth and extremities and gastrointestinal discomfort.
(Media-Newswire.com) - A prepackaged scallop sample taken under the food surveillance programme for tests by the Centre for Food Safety ( CFS ) was found to contain Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ( PSP ) toxin.
?@?@"The level detected is 246 micrograms/100 grams. PSP toxin can cause symptoms such as numbness of the mouth and extremities and gastrointestinal discomfort. In severe cases, paralysis with respiratory arrest and even death may occur," a CFS spokesman said today ( September 16 ).
"PSP toxin is a natural toxin sometimes found in bi-valve shellfish. It is heat-stable and cannot be destroyed through cooking.
"The sample was collected from a supermarket in Tai Po. Regarding the unsatisfactory sample, the CFS has taken follow-up actions, including tracing the source of the scallop, asking concerned supermarket to stop selling the food in question and issuing a warning letter to the supermarket. ?@ "We are closely monitoring the situation," a CFS spokesman said.
?@?@Following are some precautionary measures to avoid shellfish poisoning:
* Buy shellfish from reliable and licensed seafood shops;
* Remove the viscera, gonads and roe before cooking, avoid consuming the cooking liquid and eat a small amount of shellfish in any one meal;
* Children, patients and the elderly may be susceptible to poisoning and should be cautious in consuming shellfish;
* When symptoms occur after consuming shellfish, seek medical advice immediately.
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