People should not harvest or buy shellfish from Imi Ouaddar near Agadir for now. Authorities have banned harvesting and sales from the area after tests found unsafe levels of marine toxins in mussels. The National Institute for Halieutic Research (INRH) found toxin levels above the permitted health limits.
The ban covers shellfish taken from the classified area of Imi Ouaddar. It will stay in place until tests show that the area is safe again.
Consumers should only buy packaged shellfish with a sanitary identification label. They should also buy them from authorised outlets, including official markets.
Bulk shellfish should be avoided. These products may not have the required health and traceability checks.
The toxins can build up in mussels because they filter seawater and can take in toxic microscopic algae. Some of these toxins can cause serious illness, including severe stomach problems and neurological symptoms.
Local shellfish producers and businesses linked to the supply chain will also be affected while the ban remains in place.
