OUTER Hebrides residents have been warned to avoid eating shellfish from a sea loch following reports of increased toxin levels.
Isle of Lewis health officials have been notified of raised levels of naturally occurring bivalve shellfish biotoxins following routine monitoring at Loch Roag, Miavaig.
Residents have been advised to avoid consuming bivalve shellfish — meaning shellfish with two-part hinged shells — until further notice.
A spokesperson from the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar environmental health team said: “Eating bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, cockles or razor fish from Loch Roag, Miavaig may pose a health risk.
“As a sensible precaution, people should avoid eating bivalve shellfish from this area until further notice. It is important to note that cooking does not remove risks from consumption.
“Commercial shellfish harvesters in the area have been contacted by the Comhairle and steps have reportedly been [told] to postpone harvesting until toxin levels subside.”
Eating shellfish with high bivalve toxins can lead to a range of illnesses according to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), including paralytic shellfish poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning.
A similar warning was issued in the area last August and stayed in place until early September.
