Mussels recalled from grocery stores due to contamination

Grocery stores across the country are pulling mussels from their shelves after samples tested positive for a toxin.

The toxin, paralytic shellfish poison, can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death.

No illnesses have been reported yet, but officials are urging people not to eat the mussels.

They were sold at stores in California, Washington, and Canada.

The recall covers mussels sold between September 10th and September 18th.

Environmentalists concerned about mussel farming

The farming of mussels has environmentalists concerned about the effect it will have on the environment.

Mussel farming is the practice of raising mussels in cages or nets in water bodies such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. The farming of mussels is a relatively new practice, and there is little research on its environmental effects.

The main concern is that the farming of mussels will lead to the depletion of oxygen in the water, which could harm other aquatic life. Mussels consume large amounts of oxygen as they filter feed on plankton.

Another concern is that the farming of mussels will contribute to algal blooms. Algal blooms occur when algae grow out of control and form a thick layer on the surface of the water. Algal blooms can produce toxic compounds that can be harmful to aquatic life and humans.

There are also concerns that the farming of mussels will damage sensitive ecosystems. Mussel farms can damage habitats by altering water circulation, vegetation, and sedimentation patterns. They can also create physical barriers that stop fish and other aquatic creatures from migrating.

Environmentalists call for more research on the environmental effects of mussel farming before it is allowed to continue unchecked. They worry that if left unregulated, mussel farming could cause significant harm to our waterways and ecosystems.

Shellfish lovers rejoice: Mussels are now sustainable!

Shellfish lovers can rejoice – the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership has certifed mussels as a sustainable seafood choice.

"The SFP certification of farmed mussels upholds our rigorous standards for seafood sustainability and assures seafood lovers that their purchase is supporting a fishery that operates with consideration for the environment and future generations," said SFP President Brian O'Rourke.

Mussels are filter feeders, meaning they extract plankton and other organic matter from the water column. They are particularly efficient at removing excess nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause algae blooms and create dead zones in coastal waters. This makes them an ideal sustainable seafood choice for places where nutrient pollution is a problem.

Farmed mussels also have a low environmental impact. They are grown in suspension in cages or nets placed in sheltered bays and estuaries, so there is little impact on habitats or traditional seafloor fisheries. In contrast, pens for fish farms often block light and reduce oxygen levels in the water, hurting marine life below them.

The SFP certification of farmed mussels includes requirements for environmentally friendly feeds, responsible siting of farms, use of low-impact gear and reduction of waste products. Farms must also demonstrate their social responsibility by providing employees with safe working conditions and promoting sustainable fishing practices among local communities.

New study finds toxins in mussels

A new study by the University of Montreal has found toxins in mussels. The toxins, which include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are believed to come from wastewater effluent.

"The presence of these pollutants in such high concentrations is a major concern because mussels are generally regarded as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem," said Dr. Tania Saba, lead author of the study.

The study looked at 36 sites along the St. Lawrence River and found that PCB concentrations were highest near discharge points for wastewater effluent. PBDE concentrations were also highest near discharge points, but they were also present at some sites up to 100 kilometers away from the discharge point.

"Our findings suggest that current regulations aimed at reducing the release of these pollutants into the environment may not be sufficient," said Saba. "Additional measures may be needed to protect human and environmental health."

PCBs and PBDEs are both classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). They do not degrade easily in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain. Exposure to these chemicals can cause adverse health effects, including cancer and reproductive problems.

The study was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Mussels recommended for pregnant women

Careful with your sushi, pregnant women! Seafood can be a healthy part of your diet when you're expecting, but some fish can contain high levels of mercury that can be harmful to both you and your growing baby. But don't worry, there are plenty of other seafood options to choose from, including nutritious mussels.

Mussels are a type of shellfish that are low in mercury and high in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. They're also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for fetal development. In fact, mussels can provide more omega-3s than salmon!

So if you're looking for a safe and healthy seafood option during pregnancy, mussels should definitely be at the top of your list.