Is it safe to eat oysters during a red tide?
Oysters and other shellfish such as clams, mussels, whelks and scallops can accumulate red tide toxins in their tissues. People that eat oysters or other shellfish containing red tide toxins may become seriously ill with neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP). Once a red tide appears to be over, toxins can remain in the oysters for weeks to months. For this reason, the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) closely monitors oyster growing areas for the presence of red tide and red tide toxins. TDSHS has the authority to close shellfish harvesting areas during and after a red tide. Oysters you buy from a restaurant or certified shellfish dealer should not have red tide toxins in them because of the TDSHS’s monitoring program. There are, however, other risks associated with bacteria and other contaminants in raw oysters. For more information about consuming oysters, consult a physician or health authorities such as TDSHS. To find more information on Vibrio vulnifcus, which may b
Oysters and other shellfish such as clams, mussels, whelks and scallops can accumulate red tide toxins in their tissues. People that eat oysters or other shellfish containing red tide toxins may become seriously ill with neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP). Once a red tide appears to be over, toxins can remain in the oysters for weeks to months. For this reason, the State Health Services (TDSHS) closely monitors oyster growing areas for the presence of red tide and red tide toxins. Oysters you buy from a restaurant or certified shellfish dealer should not have red tide toxins in them because of the State health services monitoring program. There are, however, other risks associated with bacteria and other contaminants in raw oysters. For more information about consuming oysters, consult a physician or health authorities. [from tpwd.state.tx.
Oysters and other shellfish such as clams, mussels, whelks and scallops can accumulate red tide toxins in their tissues. People that eat oysters or other shellfish containing red tide toxins may become seriously ill with neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP). Once a red tide appears to be over, toxins can remain in the oysters for weeks to months. For this reason, the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) closely monitors oyster growing areas for the presence of red tide and red tide toxins. TDSHS has the authority to close shellfish harvesting areas during and after a red tide. Oysters you buy from a restaurant or certified shellfish dealer should not have red tide toxins in them because of the TDSHS’s monitoring program. There are, however, other risks associated with bacteria and other contaminants in raw oysters. For more information about consuming oysters, consult a physician or health authorities such as TDSHS. To find more information on Vibrio vulnificus, which may
