East Cape Shellfish Biotoxin Alerts Lifted

Friday, May 22, 2026 at 3:08 PM

By Imogen Brophy

A shellfish toxin warning has been lifted. IMAGE: MPI

New Zealand Food Safety has removed the public health warning against shellfish collected between Opape and Matakaoa Point.

After nearly one month, New Zealand Food Safety today removed the public health warning against collecting shellfish in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region.

Since early May, a shellfish biotoxin warning has been in place between Opape and Matakaoa Point.

It said further sampling of shellfish along this coastline has shown that paralytic shellfish toxins are now at safe levels.

Deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said the alert was put in place after routine tests of mussels from Te Kaha showed levels of paralytic shellfish toxins were over the safe limit.

This follows a number of shellfish warnings since December last year.

We’re committed to keeping the Eastern Bay informed with accurate, timely coverage.
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