SEREMBAN: Biotoxin readings in mussels found in waters off Port Dickson have fallen below dangerous levels, says Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
The state Agriculture, Food Security and Cost of Living committee chairman said the latest tests on samples showed that the biotoxin readings had dropped to 498 parts per billion (ppb) as against the danger levels of 800ppb.
“This is the eighth time the authorities have taken samples since the ban on the harvesting and selling of mussels was enforced in PD. The results show that the biotoxin levels have dropped.”
The Fisheries Department had been asked to carry out another round of testing before any decision is made to allow breeders and fishermen to harvest mussels from the sea, he said.
On April 4, the Fisheries Department issued a ban on the harvesting and selling of mussels in Port Dickson after lab tests showed the presence of biotoxins.
Based on lab analyses, the mussels were shown to have been contaminated by the prorocentrum, alexandrium and pseudonitzschia algae species.
Authorities became aware of the contamination when several people were hospitalised after consuming the mussels.
It then advised the public to refrain from eating mussels as well as lokan and lala harvested from the waters off the resort town until they were certified safe to eat.
The people, however, could eat fish, squid, crabs and other marine produce.
According to the department, the preliminary findings revealed that the algae population had increased drastically due to the unusually hot weather.
On April 2, eight cases of food poisoning related to mussels were reported in the resort town.
Two people had to be admitted into the intensive care unit of the district hospital after they experienced paralysis.
