- Authorities in Río Negro have issued an alert for a paralyzing mollusk toxin in a protected natural area.
- A total ban is imposed on the extraction, transportation, sale and consumption of bivalve molluscs and gastropods.
- The toxin is not eliminated by cooking, vinegar, lemon, or alcohol; people are urged to purchase only from authorized stores.
- Rapid symptoms (30-60 min): tingling, weakness, and shortness of breath; immediate medical attention and official phone number available.
Health authorities have issued an alert for red tide at the Protected Natural Area of Caleta de los Loros – Pozo Salado – Punta Mejillón, following the detection of dangerous levels of marine toxins that could affect those who consume contaminated seafood.
The measure implies immediate restrictions in the affected area and seeks to prevent serious poisoning. According to technical reports, the Paralytic Molluscan Toxin (PMT) is above the permitted limits and, something key for citizens, does not become inactive with cooking, vinegar, lemon juice or alcohol.
Scope of the measurement and scientific basis
The notice was adopted by the Secretariat of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Health of Río Negro through the Resolution 665-2025, after analysis carried out by the Viedma Regional Environmental Health Laboratory on samples collected by staff of the Undersecretariat of the Environment. These studies confirmed the presence of TPM in concentrations capable of causing poisoning.
What is TPM and what risks does it entail?
Paralytic Shellfish Toxin is a compound produced by certain microalgae which, when they proliferate, cause episodes known as "red tide". This toxin accumulates in bivalve molluscs and gastropods and can affect the nervous system of those who consume them. It does not alter the smell or taste of the food and is not destroyed with domestic preparation methods.
Current measures and scope of the ban
The has been established total and immediate ban for the extraction, transportation, marketing, and consumption of all types of bivalve mollusks and gastropods from the aforementioned protected area. The restriction will remain in effect. until new notice of the competent authorities.
- Includes species such as clams, mussels, mussels, cockles y snails.
- The measure covers both commercial and industrial activities. recreational harvesting on beaches.
Recommendations to avoid poisoning
To reduce risks, authorities urge strict adherence to food safety guidelines, paying special attention to origin and certification of seafood.
- Do not collect or consume shellfish from home grown On the beaches, please respect the signs and warnings of the closure.
- Buy seafood only at fishmongers and authorized restaurants, which prove their origin and the safety of the product.
- Do not buy fresh seafood peddlers neither “at the foot of the boat” nor in places without sanitary authorization.
- Discard any seafood that does not have an official health certificate.
Symptoms and immediate care
Red tide poisoning can come on quickly, between 30 and 60 minutes after ingestion. The first signs are usually tingling in the lips, tongue, and face, weakness in the arms and legs, headache, dizziness and nausea.
In severe cases, they may occur speech difficulties, muscle paralysis and breathing problems; if any of these symptoms occur, come immediately to the nearest health center or hospital.
Official information channels
For inquiries and to monitor the status of the ban, you can contact the Viedma Regional Epidemiology and Environmental Health Unit on the phone 02920-238363.
The activation of the alert, the total ban, and official recommendations seek to protect public health while the area is monitored; Avoid the collection and consumption of uncertified seafood It is the most effective measure until the authorities lift the restriction.