Toxic alert on the Thau lagoon: mussels, clams and gastropods prohibited for consumption

Les moules de l’étang de Thau sont impropres à la consommation jusqu’à nouvel ordre. Midi Libre – C. F.

The prefect of Hérault has just banned, this Thursday, June 20, the harvesting, fishing, marketing and consumption of mussels, clams and gastropods from the Thau pond. Oysters are not affected by these restrictions.

Be wary if you have consumed mussels, clams or gastropods from the Etang de Thau caught after June 17. The prefecture of Hérault informs, this Thursday, June 20, of the risks of toxicity of these shellfish.

"The results of mussel samples taken on Monday June 17, 2024, as part of the Rephytox network, in the Thau pond, show contamination of mussels with lipophilic toxins greater than the regulatory threshold. The oysters showed no contamination."

Oysters are not affected by this decree and can be consumed without restriction

Consequently, the prefect of Hérault decided, today, to prohibit recreational and professional fishing, collection, transport, purification, shipping, distribution and marketing with a view to of human consumption of mussels from the Thau pond. In the absence of results on clams and gastropods, restriction measures are extended to them as a precautionary principle. Oysters are not affected by this decree and can be consumed without restriction.

The prefecture of Hérault announces that this temporary measure will be lifted "as soon as the health security conditions are met for a reopening of the areas of production", namely two consecutive favorable results for each species of shellfish. Mussels, clams or gastropods harvested in the Thau pond before June 17, 2024 are not subject to these restrictive measures.

The updated map of health bans on shellfish harvesting can be found on the OIEAU website.

Contact your doctor in the event of digestive problems, headaches or dizziness

People who have consumed these shellfish caught after June 17 and have digestive disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, nausea…) associated with persistent headaches or dizziness, are invited to contact their doctor. "Please note that cooking does not destroy the toxins brought by phytoplankton (microscopic plants). Even after cooking, shellfish remain unfit for consumption. People who have these products are asked not to consume them."