Toxins found in shellfish sold at Lunenburg County fish shop

Officials are warning Nova Scotians about potential toxins in mussels and clams sold at a fish shop in LunenburgCounty onThursday.

In a media release Saturday, the Department of Health and Wellnesssaid the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found toxins in blue mussels harvested Monday that causeparalytic shellfish poisoning.

"Mussels and clams harvested on that day were sold to two customers on June 2 at the Corkums Island Mussel Farm and Fish Shop," the release said.

Anyonewho ate clams or mussels sold at the shopon Thursday, the department says, should seek medical attention if they're experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Tingling.
• Numbness spreading from the lips and mouth to the face, neck and extremities.
• Dizziness.
• Arm and leg weakness or paralysis.
• Headaches and nausea.
• Respiratory failure.

In severe cases, consumption can cause death.

Symptoms start quickly, between 30 minutes andthree hours.

"Cooking or freezing will not remove the toxin," the release said.

The department says there have been no reported illnesses.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Wellnesssaid the toxin was discovered during a routine inspection and no other unsafe areas have been identified.

It said the presence of the toxinsfound result from conditions in the marine environment, not from issues with harvesting or processing.