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Southern California diners should avoid some locally harvested fish and shellfish because of the threat of poisoning by toxic algae, health officials warned Friday.

Domoic acid, a toxin produced by ocean-dwelling algae, has turned up in mussels, oysters, sardines and anchovies from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties, the state Department of Health Services said.

Consumers should not eat mussels, oysters and other two-shelled shellfish that are sport harvested in the area. Commercially sold lobster and crab harvested in Southern California also should not be eaten.

The acid can cause vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, headache, disorientation, seizures and loss of short-term memory, or can even be fatal, although no human cases have been reported in California.

Sea lions and dolphins have washed up in recent weeks with domoic acid poisoning.


http://www2.ocregister.com/ocrweb/ocr/arti...&month=5&day=18