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Advisory Note - Shellfish biotoxin warning

13 March 2026

Advisory Note - Shellfish biotoxin warning

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has issued a public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the northern side of Banks Peninsula. The warning extends from New Brighton to the northern side of Hickory Bay. 

Anyone who becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued should phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16 or seek medical attention immediately. Please also contact your nearest public health service and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested. 

For further details visit: 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/shellfish-biotoxin-warning-for-canterbury 

To contact your local National Public Health Service office visit: https://info.health.nz/locations/canterbury/national-public-health-service-canterbury-west-coast 

To keep up to date with current health warnings visit: 
https://info.health.nz/health-alerts