BBC News Online: Health

Scallops ban after poison discovery

The Scottish Executive has taken the action following test results from the government's sampling programme.

They show that the Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning toxin has reached a level at which there is a risk to consumers.

The species affected are scallops and queen scallops. No other commercially marketed shellfish are affected by the move.

Brain damage

The area covers 8,000 square miles between the Outer Hebrides as far south as Islay and Jura. About half of Scotland's 90 scallop fishing boats are affected by the ban.

Douglas McLeod, from the Association of Shellfish Growers, said it was a major blow during the summer months.

"That's when we have the tourist season where the demand is highest and the prices are best."

At its worst level, the toxins can cause irreversible brain damage.

If shellfish containing the toxins are eaten, victims can experience vomiting, headaches, limb numbness and memory loss.

A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said: "Samples are being taken in the area to see what is happening as part of regular checks."

The toxins naturally occur but government scientists are trying to discover why such high levels have been found.

There are believed to be around 200 shellfish farmers in the area affected who send the delicacy across Europe.

The scallop industry itself is worth an estimated £2m each year.

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Fish and Shellfish Poisoning

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