The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has issued a health warning about the consumption of scallops and queen scallops, following the discovery of a natural toxin in four shellfish bays on the west, north-west and south-west coasts.
Harvesting of scallops in the affected bays has been suspended until further notice. The Irish Shellfish Association said at the weekend that the public need have no fears, as shellfish farmers had been informed.
The measure was taken on foot of detection last week of levels of amnesiac shellfish poisoning in scallops from the four bays - at Valentia in Co Kerry, in Kilkieran and Bertraghboy bays in Co Galway and in Mulroy bay in Co Donegal.
The occurrence is due to a combination of climatic and environmental factors - red tides being the most familiar manifestation.
Temporary closures are a normal occurrence as a precautionary measure when permitted national and EU levels of the toxins are exceeded.
The recent bad weather, resulting in deep oceanic upwells, may have contributed to this recent spate, according to the Irish Shellfish Association. Spokesman Mr Richie Flynn said that consumers need have no fears as no shellfish would reach the market from the affected areas.
