Certain mussels may contain a biotoxin which causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning

Starting date:

August 6, 2011

Type of communication:

Recall

Alert sub-type:

Health Hazard Alert

Subcategory:

Marine Biotoxin

Hazard classification:

Class 2

Source of recall:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Recalling firm:

Island Sea Farms Inc., Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corporation, B & C Food Distributors Ltd., Albion Fisheries Ltd. (Victoria), Albion Fisheries Ltd. (Vancouver)

Distribution:

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan

Extent of the product distribution:

Hotel/Restaurant/Institutional

CFIA reference number:

6605

• Advisory details
• Media enquiries

Advisory details

Ottawa, August 6, 2011 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the mussels, described below, because they may contain Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) biotoxin.

The affected mussels were harvested by Island Sea Farms Inc. from the harvest location “Area: BC 13, Sub Area: 15”or “BC 13-15” between July 19 and August 2, 2011.

The following mussels are affected by this alert:

Brand name	Product name	Size	Codes / Lots
Saltspring Island Mussels	Aquacultured Edulis Mussels	5 lbs (2.27 kg)	All lots up to and including Lot # 289; all harvest dates up to and including August 2, 2011 (2011AU02)
Albion Fisheries Ltd	Mussel N/Shell Saltspring Isl	5 lbs	All harvest dates up to and including August 4, 2011 (8/04/2011)
Pacific Rim Shellfish Corp.	Mussels or Gallo Mussels	Various weights	All harvest dates up to and including July 31, 2011
Albion	SSI Mussels	Various weights	Ship dates of July 20 to August 4, 2011 inclusive
B & C Food	Mussels	Various weights	Processing dates of July 20 to August 4, 2011 inclusive

Retailers and restaurants are advised to check the tags or labels on mussel packages or with their supplier to determine if they have the affected product.

Consumers, who have purchased raw mussels from retailers between July 19 and August 6, 2011 inclusive, should check with their retailer to determine if they have the affected product.

This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. However, it may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these mussels.

The CFIA is collaborating with its partners, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and Health Canada to investigate these illnesses. This investigation is ongoing.

Food contaminated with Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) biotoxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this biotoxin may cause Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning, a foodborne illness. Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and chills.

The Canadian harvester and distributors are voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

Media enquiries

CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600