A warning to avoid consuming shellfish from the Taranaki coast

Recent tests on mussels from Pukearuhe revealed unsafe paralytic toxin levels.

The warning extends from Cape Egmont, north to Albatross Point, near Kawhia, and relates to bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pupu and Cook's turban.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle says cooking the shellfish won't remove the toxin.

Mr Arbuckle says the region's experiencing an algal bloom, which can spread the toxin into the gut and flesh of filter-feeders.