According to the FDA, some Pacific Northwest oysters and clams may contain paralytic shellfish toxins

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert advising against the consumption of shellfish from Oregon and Washington due to potential contamination with paralytic shellfish toxins.

Specifically, the warning pertains to oysters and bay clams from Netarts Bay and Tillamook Bay in Oregon, harvested on or after May 28, as well as all shellfish types from Willapa Bay in Washington, harvested between May 26 and May 30.

These shellfish were distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, and New York. Consequently, the FDA has cautioned restaurants and retailers in these states against serving the shellfish to prevent cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

"Food containing PSPs may look, smell, and taste normal. These toxins cannot be removed by cooking or freezing," the agency stressed. "Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department."

Symptoms of PSP can occur within 30 minutes of eating the contaminated shellfish and include tingling of the lips, mouth, and tongue, a "pins and needles" sensation, vomiting, and potentially respiratory paralysis.

“The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the shellfish harvested and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert," the agency said.