Oysters banned after toxin found

OYSTERS and other shellfish from the Vendée and Charente-Maritime have been banned from sale and recalled from restaurants and supermarkets after they were found to contain dangerous levels of toxins.

The two préfectures have issued the ban on fishing, selling or eating produce from the sea around the area worst-hit by Storm Xynthia at the end of February.

The ban will remain in place until two consecutive scientific tests prove the toxin levels are back below the legal maximum.

The toxins, in high quantities, cause vomiting and other digestive problems for the first 24 hours, followed by headaches and problems with balance. In severe cases, they can cause brain damage and amnesia.

The ban is the latest in a series of blows to the oyster industry, which hsuffered a severe supply shortage last Christmas because of a virus that killed a large number of young oysters. The virus will also affect oyster sales next Christmas.

Jean Lenavetier - Fotolia.com