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Quinault Tribe recall 29 tons of Dungeness crab due to toxin

The crab was caught by the tribe from Dec. 23-28 and sold to food processors in Washington.
Credit: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Dungeness crab.

SEATTLE — Nearly 29 tons of Dungeness crab is being voluntarily recalled by the Quinault Tribe. The recall affects live and uneviscerated Dungeness crab. 

The crabs are being recalled due to possible elevated marine toxin levels. The toxin is called domoic acid, which can be harmful to people if the contaminated shellfish are consumed. 

Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, which can start within 24 hours of consumption. 

The crab was caught by the tribe from Dec. 23-28 and sold to food processors in Washington. Everyone who purchased the crabs is being advised to destroy the product and contact the place where it was purchased. 

Closures are currently in effect on the Washington coast for recreational Dungeness crab fisheries, due to elevated marine toxin levels.

On Dec. 28, 2020, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announced closures for the Washington coast to include coast waters between Point Chehalis to the Queets River. Officials said previous closures remain in effect for Marine Area 1 (IIwaco) and Marine Area 2 (Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay). 

Shellfish managers expanded the closures after testing showed domoic acid levels in crab for these waters exceeded standards for safe consumption.

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