California Issues Statewide Mussel Quarantine After Toxins Detected

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California health officials have issued a statewide quarantine on recreationally harvested mussels from May 1 through October 31, 2026, citing the risk of dangerous marine toxins.

By News Desk

The order, which spans the entire coastline from Oregon to Mexico and includes all Los Angeles County bays and harbors, warns the public not to eat any mussels gathered by sport harvesters.

The California Department of Public Health says mussels can accumulate paralytic shellfish poison and domoic acid—toxins that can cause severe neurological illness or death. Cooking does not destroy them, and toxin levels can rise unpredictably. Commercial shellfish from certified harvesters are not affected because they undergo mandatory testing.

Health officials note that early symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include tingling of the lips and tongue, progressing to loss of coordination and, in severe cases, paralysis. Domoic acid poisoning may cause vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, seizures, or permanent memory loss. There is no antidote, and severe cases may require mechanical ventilation.