Warning against eating shellfish due to rise in levels of natural toxin

Warning: People in Argyll and Bute have been warned against eating shellfish such as mussels.

People are being warned not to eat shellfish because of a rise in levels of a naturally-occurring toxin.

The algal toxins have occurred in the Kilbrannan Sound in Argyll and Bute.

Areas affected include Campbeltown Loch, Kildalloig Bay, Carradale Bay, Saddell Bay, Machrie Bay and Pirnmill.

Argyll and Bute Council have warned that eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razorfish from these areas may pose a risk to human health.

Notices have been put up to warn the public and casual gatherers about the risk, and commercial shellfish harvesters have been contacted by the council.

Harvesting will be postponed until algae levels subside.

A council spokesman said: "It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from this area until further notice.

"Monitoring work is currently being undertaken by the council to evaluate this situation and when the situation subsides, the warning notes, etc, will be removed."

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