Government tests spurred a recall of Manila clams because of contamination with a marine biotoxin that causes the potentially deadly Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
Evergreen International Foodstuffs Ltd. reports distributing the clams to retailers in Ontario and British Columbia, according to a recall notice from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Mismatched branding may be complicating recall efforts, as well as consumers’ ability to identify the recalled shellfish.
“These Manila clams may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand, product name, or code as described below,” according to the recall notice.
“Check to see if you have the recalled product in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.”
As of the posting of the recall notice, no illnesses had been confirmed in relation to the recalled products.
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public.
About marine toxins
Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins. These toxins can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) if consumed.
Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing with an onset of a few minutes and up to 10 hours after consumption. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death.
Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins. These toxins can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) if consumed.
Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing with an onset of a few minutes and up to 10 hours after consumption. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death.
| Brand | Product | Size | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen Int’l Foodstuffs Ltd. | Manila clams | 25 lb. | Harvest Date: Sep 16, 2020 Processing Date: Sep 17, 2020 Harvest Location: B.C. 17-20 Lot# 21057 |
As of the posting of the recall notice, no illnesses had been confirmed in relation to the recalled products.
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public.
About marine toxins
Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish that include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins. These toxins can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) if consumed.
Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing with an onset of a few minutes and up to 10 hours after consumption. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death.
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