Health officials close shellfish harvest on northern Washington beaches

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Health officials have closed the recreational harvest for all molluscan shellfish on beaches in northern Washington state.

The closure came after unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin were detected.

The Washington State Department of Health closed the harvest for beaches from Sandy Point north to the Canadian border. Point Roberts beaches will be closed as a precaution until shellfish samples can be obtained to determine biotoxin levels.

Molluscan shellfish include clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. Shellfish sold in restaurants and markets have been tested and are safe to eat.