Warning issued over potentially poisonous mussels, some of which were sold locally

If you bought mussels in Dundalk this week then please don’t eat them as they could be potentially poisonous.

A warning has been issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) after it was revealed that the mussels, harvested at Roaring Water Bay in Co Cork on Monday and Tuesday, may contain harmful levels of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins.

The mussels were sold at a number of locations around the country including locally at J&C Fish in Dundalk, Morgan’s Fine Fish in Omeath and Morgan’s Fish Stand in Dundalk, as well as some Dunnes Stores outlets.

Anyone who has taken ill from eating mussels earlier in the week is also urged to seek medical attention immediately.

Poisoning from affected batches can lead to diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and cramps for several days.

Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI, said consumers who may have bought the implicated mussels should not to eat them.

“Cooking does not destroy this toxin,” she said.

The food safety watchdog said the affected mussels were sold at the following outlets from Wednesday onwards:

• * Some Dunnes Stores outlets, with the use-by date of 21.08.2015
• * Some SuperValu outlets, where mussels were sold in 2kg and 5kg bags with use-by date of 22.08.2015
• * Beshoff’s, West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin – mussels sold in 1kg net bags with use-by date of 20.08.2015
• * Doran’s, West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin
• * Kish Fish, Malahide Road, Coolock, and at Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin.
• * The Dublin Fish Shop, Queen Street, Dublin 7
• * Morgan’s Fine Fish, Omeath, Co Louth
• * Glenmar, Union Hall, Co Cork
• * Normandy Ireland, Schull, Co Cork
• * Baltimore Fresh Fish, Baltimore, Co Cork
• * O’Driscoll’s, Schull, Co Cork
• * Bantry Central Fish, Bantry, Co Cork
• * J&C Fish, Dundalk, Co Louth
• * Keoghs Fish Shop, New Quay, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
• * Seacatch Retail Fish Stand, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
• * Morgans Fish Stand, Park Street, Dundalk, Co Louth

The FSAI said potentially poisonous mussels have been removed from sale at outlets, and warned anyone who may have already bought some to check with the store where they purchased them and not to eat them.

“Eating contaminated mussels could cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning,” said Dr Byrne.

“Symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain which can start between 30 minutes to a few hours after ingestion.

“Complete recovery occurs within a number of days.

“Consumers who may have already consumed this product and are feeling unwell should seek medical advice.”

Jellyfish with potentially fatal sting spotted in Carlingford Lough

The Lion’s Mane jellyfish

There have been a large number of confirmed sightings of the Lion’s Mane jellyfish in Carlingford Lough today.

A number of beaches in Ireland were closed earlier in the week due to the presence of the Lions Mane jellyfish. They are red in colour and have tentacles (stingers) that can grow up to three feet long.

The sting can be dangerous and cause serious symptoms including nausea, vomiting and respiratory distress. The pain from the sting is “excruciating” and some people can get anaphylactic shock in addition to sting pain. This can be fatal.

Carlingford Marina say they have contacted the Lough’s Agency, The Irish Coast Guard and Irish Water Safety regarding the matter and are waiting for further information.

They said: “For now, we urge everyone to be extra vigilant at sea, bathing, in the marina or even walking along the beach.”