Maine Shellfish Recall: Toxic Mussels, Clams Could Cause Brain Damage

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state is recalling recent mussel and clam harvests that tested positive for a marine neurotoxin that can cause brain damage.

The Portland Press Herald reports that there has never been any illness attributed to such tainted shellfish.

The recall applies to mussels and mahogany quahogs harvested or wet-stored in the Jonesport area and clams harvested from Cranberry Point in Corea to Cow Point in Roque Bluffs. The recalled shellfish were harvested from Sept. 25 through Sept. 30.

The state Department of Marine Resources tested mussel and clam samples and told shellfish dealers to dispose of affected mussels. A department spokesman said this was the first time any shellfish have tested above the threshold for the neurotoxin, which can build up after shellfish eat a certain kind of plankton.

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