Warning issued for sports harvested shellfish from Mendocino and Humboldt, due to domoic acid

MENDOCINO Co., 10/15/19 — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a warning against eating “sports-harvested mussels, clams, or whole scallops” from Mendocino and Humboldt counties, due to findings of domoic acid, which can lead to illness or death. The warning lasts until October 31, and does not apply to commercially harvested mussels, clams, scallops and oysters “from approved sources.”

The symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can kick in between 30 minutes to 24 hours after consuming the toxin, and include “vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness,” however more serious cases can lead to trouble breathing, seizures, memory loss, comas, and death. More details are included below.