Public warned not to eat shellfish after red tide hits West Coast beaches

The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment has warned people not to eat white mussels and other shellfish washing up on beaches along the West Coast.

A "Colourless" red tide has led to large numbers of dead white mussel, whelks and other shellfish washing out at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai this week.

Department spokesperson Thobi Mlobi said the shellfish are washing up on beaches after being poisoned by phytoplankton a common occurrence during summer along the west coast.

Mlobi said this particular "Red tide" is colourless and extremely toxic...

"We hereby request the public to refrain from eating the washed-out marine animals as they carry significant health risks rendering them unsuitable for consumption," said Mlobi.