Which shellfish can accumulate toxins that lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning?

Clams and mussels are shellfish known for their ability to accumulate toxins in their tissues, which can lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in humans when consumed. This occurs because these shellfish filter water as part of their feeding process, filtering out microscopic algae, some of which contain harmful toxins. Specifically, the toxins involved in PSP are produced by certain species of dinoflagellates, and when clams and mussels consume these algae, they can concentrate the toxins in their bodies.

Consumption of these contaminated shellfish can lead to serious health effects, including neurological symptoms and, in severe cases, it can be fatal. This makes it critical for food safety regulations to monitor and manage shellfish harvesting in areas where harmful algal blooms are present, ensuring these toxins do not enter the food supply. Other shellfish like shrimp, octopus, and crab do not have the same risk of accumulating these specific toxins to the same extent as clams and mussels, which is why they are not associated with Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.