The Hérault prefecture has banned the harvesting and marketing of clams and mussels from the Etang de Thau, due to the presence of toxins.
In view of the results of the toxin searches carried out on October 18, the State services have “decided to prohibit recreational and professional fishing, collection, transport, purification, shipping, distribution and marketing in view of the human consumption of mussels and clams from the Thau pond”. This ban does not apply to oysters, which can be consumed without restriction, as can clams and mussels harvested before October 18.
The second ban of the year
These toxins, brought by microscopic plants, phytoplanktons, cannot be destroyed by cooking. This temporary measure will be lifted as soon as the health security conditions are met, indicates the prefecture.
This is the second time such a ban has been issued this year. The previous one took place in January, and lasted a fortnight.