Another misconception is that heat from cooking denatures the toxin. Anyone suspecting that they have consumed contaminated bivalves should seek medical attention immediately. Information is readily available on the status of marine biotoxin closures. Annually published saltwater sport fishing guides contain important information designating permanently closed areas. Current area and sub-area notices reporting warnings and closures are readily available over the telephone or Internet.
Toxicity is established by injecting lab mice with an extract of mussel tissue.
Not a procedure you'll find in your sea kayaking manual. The best avenue of prevention is to be an informed traveler and to obey all warnings and closures. The risk of marine biotoxin and pollution to public health has necessitated the establishment of monitoring programs for shellfish as well as shellfish growing waters. Shellfish testing is carried out regularly from shell stock collected at key locations and supplemented by verification samples from commercial facilities. When PSP toxicity levels are detected in excess of 80 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of edible tissue, the area of harvest qualifies for closure.