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Large quantities of dead shellfish washed ashore at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai, in the Western Cape
The Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Department has warned the public against consuming all shellfish, irrespective of whether they are washed or collected from shore.
This after large quantities of dead shellfish, including white mussels and whelks, washed ashore at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai in the Western Cape.
[LISTEN] Senior Scientist at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Steve Lamberth warns that eating toxin-affected shellfish washing up on the West Coast can cause rapid paralysis and hospitalization.
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The department’s spokesperson, Thobile Zulu-Moloi, has cautioned the public against eating the washed-up shellfish, saying they carry significant health risks.
WATCH | The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has warned the public not to consume white mussels or other shellfish along the West Coast due to a red tide. Scientist Steve Lamberth explains the health risks and safety precautions. pic.twitter.com/3fqMSiLIae
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 1, 2026
“The department has noted a large number of dead white mussels and other shellfish being washed out at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai, on the west coast. We hereby request the public to refrain from eating the washed out animals as they carry significant health risks rendering them unsuitable for consumption,” she says.
VIDEO | Red tide on West Coast prompts shellfish warning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ZxhabdIAA
