On March 18, NIFS announced that paralytic shellfish toxins* (2.6 mg/kg), exceeding the acceptable level (below 0.8mg/kg), were detected in the mussel from Jangseungpo-dong, Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do through the joint survey on the toxins with the Fisheries Safety and Technology Institute of Gyeongnam. 

* Shellfish toxins refer to the toxins that accumulate in the body when shellfish or tunicates consume toxic plankton as food. Among them, paralytic shellfish toxins are the main ones in Korea, but the time of occurrence and sea areas vary from year to year. 

In addition to that, toxins having lower concentrations than the acceptable level (below 0.8mg/kg) were detected in other six stations of sea areas, including Changwon (Songdo, Myeongdong); Geoje (Daegok-ri, Gujora-ri); and Goseong (Naepo-ri, Oepo-ri). 

Against this backdrop, the local governments falling within the areas are making efforts to strengthen their seafood safety management, such as putting a ban on collecting the shellfish and tunicates, hanging banners, etc.

In the case of other shellfish and tunicates being shipped from the prohibited sea areas, they should meet the required acceptable level through a pre-inspection. 

As it is expected that an increase in the water temperature would cause the expansion of sea areas, experiencing paralytic shellfish toxins and exceeding the acceptable level, NIFS in coordination with local governments strengthens the survey on detected and adjacent areas at least once a week.

The information on the occurrence of paralytic shellfish toxins is being provided on NIFS's official website.