SEREMBAN: Mussels and other shellfish from the waters off Port Dickson have now been declared safe for consumption.
Biotoxin in mussel samples taken on Sept 17 were found to be below 800 parts per billion (ppb).
On Aug 15, the Negri Sembilan Fisheries Department (JPNS) banned mussel farmers and operators from collecting or harvesting shellfish in the waters off Port Dickson after samples were found to contain PSP toxin levels exceeding the 800 ppb limit.
JPNS director Kasim Tawe said mussel farmers, who use piling and raft systems in the waters stretching from Sungai Sekawang to Kampung Telok, Pasir Panjang, have been allowed to resume collection and harvesting.
“This is based on the findings of the main committee on harmful algal bloom cases, which confirmed that the level of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin in mussel samples was below the 800 ppb threshold.
“Mussel samples from the area have consistently shown readings of below 800 ppb for nearly four consecutive weeks. Therefore, the shellfish are safe for consumption,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Kasim advised the public who still have shellfish harvested during the prohibition period to dispose of them.
