Health Agency Extends Mussel Harvesting Ban

Health officials have extended a statewide ban on mussel harvesting.

Officials with the Department of Health Services say the mussels are still not safe to eat.

The annual summer quarantine covers the months when the shellfish are most likely to be contaminated with toxins, which are naturally produced by tiny marine organisms found in the hot months. The ban does not apply to commercially harvested mussels, which are subjected to stringent tests.