B.C. warns about contaminated shellfish risks

British Columbia health officials are warning people to check shellfish harvest sites before collecting seafood this summer, as contaminated shellfish can cause serious illness. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control says microorganisms and toxins can build up in shellfish during warmer months, especially in coastal waters. Species such as mussels, clams, oysters, scallops and crab are among the most affected, though other shellfish that feed on plankton can also be exposed. Officials say some toxins can lead to paralytic, amnesic or diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and that cooking does not make toxincontaminated shellfish safe to eat. The agency advises people to use its harvesting map to check site status, keep seafood chilled, separate raw and cooked food, and seek medical help if symptoms appear after eating shellfish.