Shellfish potentially poisonous at Pukehina Beach

A health warning has been issued to stop people gathering shellfish at Pukehina Beach in the Bay of Plenty.

High levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) have been discovered through routine sampling in the area.

Health authorities warn people not to collect or eat any shellfish or kina, or the gut of paua, crayfish and crabs until further notice.

Symptoms of PSP include numbness and tingling around the mouth, difficulty swallowing or breathing and dizziness and in severe cases can result in paralysis and respiratory failure.