WELLINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on Wednesday issued a public health warning, advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from the coastal area of the Bay of Plenty down to Bowentown Heads.

Routine tests on shellfish samples taken from this region in the North Island have shown levels of toxins above the safe limit, said an MPI statement, adding that anyone eating shellfish from this area is potentially at risk of illness.

Cooking shellfish can not remove the toxin, it said, adding paua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut.

The ministry said it will continue to monitor the toxin levels, adding that commercially harvested shellfish, sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported, is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programs by the MPI to ensure they are safe to eat.