Warning Issued: Be Careful Eating Lobster And Rock Crab
LOS ANGELES (AP) — State officials are warning fans of California spiny lobster and rock crab to eat only the tail meat and not internal organs after finding a toxic acid in samples.
The Department of Fish and Game said Thursday the warning applies to all lobster and rock crab harvested in Southern California until further notice.
Investigators found high levels of domoic acid in lobsters and crabs around the northern Channel Islands.
Poisoning can occur 30 minutes to 24 hours after consumption.
Symptoms range from nausea, diarrhea, cramps, headache and dizziness, but in severe cases can be life-threatening.
Domoic acid is found in the marine algae consumed by small fish, clams and mussels, which are in turn eaten by crustaceans, resulting in a concentration of acide in their organs.
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