• California Department of Public Health issued an annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels from Oregon to the Mexican border until October 31.
• The quarantine is due to naturally occurring toxins, paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid biotoxins, which can cause severe illness or death if consumed.
• Commercially harvested mussels are exempt from the quarantine due to regular testing, but cooking does not reliably eliminate the toxins from affected mussels.

California public health officials have announced the annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels along the West Coast, spanning from Oregon to the Mexican border. This quarantine, effective until October 31, is a response to the presence of naturally occurring toxins, including those causing paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid biotoxins, in mussels during this period. The consumption of these toxins can lead to severe health consequences, including death. While the quarantine does not apply to commercially harvested mussels due to regular testing, officials are urging the public to avoid consuming sport-harvested mussels during this time.

• What: An annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels is in effect along the California coast due to the presence of naturally occurring toxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid biotoxins.
• Who: California Department of Public Health, Dr. Jemma Alarcon (L.A. County Department of Public Health), consumers of sport-harvested mussels.
• When: The quarantine is effective from May to October 31 annually. The toxins' presence is linked to algae blooms that increase during this period.
• Where: The quarantine area extends along the California coastline from Oregon to the Mexican border, including all bays, inlets, and harbors in Los Angeles County.

The annual mussel quarantine highlights the ongoing risk of consuming sport-harvested shellfish due to naturally occurring toxins. The increase in algae blooms during certain months leads to a concentration of biotoxins in mussels, making them dangerous for consumption. While public health efforts have reduced the incidence of poisoning, the potential for severe illness and death remains a concern. The exemption of commercially harvested mussels, which undergo regular testing, provides a safe alternative for consumers. It's important for the public to heed the warnings and avoid consuming sport-harvested mussels during the quarantine period.

The symptoms really depend on how much of the Toxin is consumed. So if it's a lower amount, you might just experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. However, if you ingest a significant amount, Dr. Alarcon said, you can experience loss of balance, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and in some cases, even death can occur.

The annual mussel quarantine serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers associated with consuming sport-harvested shellfish. Public health officials strongly advise against eating mussels found on California beaches from May through October due to the risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid biotoxins. Consumers are encouraged to opt for commercially harvested mussels, which are regularly tested for safety. Vigilance and adherence to these guidelines are essential to prevent severe illness and ensure public health.