1,500 kilos of red tide clams seized in Quellón

A significant haul of contaminated shellfish was intercepted in Quellón, Chile, as authorities seized 1,500 kilograms of clams affected by red tide. The operation, a joint effort by the Port Captaincy of Quellón and the Seremi de Salud of Chiloé, aimed to prevent the distribution of unsafe seafood.

The discovery was made during a routine inspection of the fishing boat "Nautilus" at the Quellón artisanal pier. Officials found 50 nets filled with clams, which were immediately flagged for laboratory testing to determine their suitability for human consumption. The results confirmed the presence of dangerous levels of toxins.

Cristian Monanares, head of the provincial office for the Seremi de Salud in Chiloé, detailed the alarming findings. The clams exhibited paralytic shellfish poisoning with toxin levels reaching 131 micrograms per 100 grams of meat. This figure substantially surpasses the legal limit of 80 micrograms, rendering the product unfit for consumption and posing a serious health risk.

The seizure underscores the critical importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement to protect public health from natural phenomena like red tide, which can contaminate marine life with potent neurotoxins.