PSP FAQ

The Hood Canal is having its second ever PSP outbreak. 

Here’s some backstory!

• PSP (aka paralytic shellfish poisoning) is a potentially deadly biotoxin produced by a specific type of algae.
• Like all harmful algae blooms (HABs), it cannot be cooked out of the shellfish.
• It’s naturally occurring and can happen in cold or warm water.
• It’s not red, although this is usually what folks mean when they say “red tide.”
• It is very site specific. This bloom is in Hood Canal. Oysters from other growing sites aren’t impacted. 
  
• Find more info about PSP here. 
• Regulators test and monitor for safety.
• Shellfish farmers work very closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to keep our product safe from biotoxins. PSP is knowable - you can test for it. 
• We only harvest or buy shellfish from open and approved growing areas. 
• Symptoms of PSP occur quickly and include tingling and numbness. If you experience these symptoms after eating shellfish, seek immediate medical attention.

Bottom Line: You are not going to get sick from a biotoxin if you eat shellfish grown and harvested from a reputable supplier.

PSP is rare in Hood Canal - the only other recorded outbreak was in 2015. After a certain amount of time - hard to say how long - the bloom will clear and the shellfish will filter out the toxins, and be safe to eat again.