Fresh mussels sold by three major supermarket chains are being recalled after a warning they may contain potentially fatal toxins. The Food Standards Agency issued the alert after traces of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) were found above legally permitted levels during routine tests. The FSA is urging consumers not to eat the mussels, which were sold by Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons earlier this week.

The Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, which supplies supermarkets with the fresh mussels, has ordered a recall after the toxins were found. PSP is caused by naturally occurring algal blooms – in rare cases it can cause potentially fatal respiratory problems. The 1kg bags of mussels which are subject to the recall were on sale between September 4 and 6. Anyone who bought them should dispose of the mussels or return them to stores for a refund, the FSA said. The FSA has received no reports of customers falling ill after eating the mussels.