Shellfish Exports to China halted from Pacific Northwest, Dec. 16

The discovery of high levels of arsenic and a toxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in shipments of Geoduck Clams from the Pacific Northwest has led the Chinese government to halt all imports of shellfish from the U.S. West Coast.  The ban started last week and will continue indefinitely.  The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reportedly working with the Chinese to reopen the shellfish trade.  U.S. officials believe the contaminated clams came from Washington or Alaska.  The U.S. exported $68 million worth of Geoduck Clams last year, most of which came from Washington State’s Puget Sound.  Nearly 90-percent went to China where they sell for $100 to $150 per pound.