People are being warned not to collect or eat shellfish harvested from the Hawke's Bay Coast from Mahanga Beach south to Porangahau Beach.
(file photo) Photo: Supplied
Routine tests on shellfish taken from the region have shown levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins above the safe limit.
Cooking does not remove the toxins and anyone eating shellfish from the area is at risk of becoming sick.
Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as the toxins accumulate in the gut.