Razorfish toxin find closes Largo Bay, Wemyss and Kirkcaldy fisheries
Fisheries on the south coast of Fife have been closed after toxins were found in a type of shellfish.
- By Cheryl Peebles
- Published in the Courier : 29.04.11
- Published online : 29.04.11 @ 07.49pm
Members of the public have been warned against eating razorfish from Largo Bay, Wemyss and Kirkcaldy.
Routine sampling found diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning, commonly known as DSP, in razorfish in the three fisheries.
Symptoms of DSP can include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It is caused by naturally occurring algal blooms which can extend over a considerable area.
Fife Council regulation manager Roy Stewart said, "The presence of DSP in shellfish occurs from time to time, particularly during the summer months.
"It is essential that until levels return to safe levels none of these shellfish are eaten."
In accordance with Food Standards Agency advice, warning signs were set up in the affected areas.
The few commercial fishermen who harvest the razors in the areas and their buyers have been alerted.
The increased levels of toxins were picked up during routine monitoring by the Food Standards Agency. Further samples are being taken.
Fisheries will be reopened and the notices revoked once tests show below statutory limits.
Image used under Creative Commons licence from geograph.co.uk user David Baird.
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