Does anybody know if I can find out if the 2 kilos of mussels we collected from the beach this morning are ok to eat?

[mawbroon]

There were no signs up saying do not eat the shellfish, but I know that dodgy mussels can make you really ill.

DH is like "ach, they'll be fine" but I am not so sure.

I collect and cook shellfish all the time on beaches. Soak, remove the beard, throw away any that are broken or open and away you go!

Once you've cleaned them up, any open ons should be discguarded. Give them a little tap first, if they close up, they'll be fine.

Once cooked, if they remain closed, then, disguard them.

Can't see any other reason why they wouldn't be safe to eat.

Before cooking, chuck the ones which are open.

After cooking, chuck the ones which are closed.

I know how to cook them safely, but my concern is whether they might have high toxin levels in them and wondered if there was anywhere to find out. I have looked on SEPA's website, but can't find anything

They normally have a sign up if they are glow in the dark ones!

Nah, they'll be fine. Much better than most of the shit for sale anyway.

Ah you already said that. Where were you roughly?

I don't think I would, certainly not from round here. Maybe if I lived in the Hebrides or Scilly isles. Depends how built up it is near there, shipping, nearest sewage outfall, etc.

I have looked at the SEPA site and the beach comes under excellent for bathing water, so it's probably fine.

I never know this - have collected mussels locally then chickened out of eating them. I wonder if Hugh Fearnly Whittingsal might have info on his site? I know he has a very active forum too with lots of info about foraging and what's safe, what's not etc. I'll see if I can find the link.

some cool stuff here

I think the rule is if they are open before cooking, discard them. If they are closed after cooking, discard them.

OK, DH has eaten three to try them. If he drops dead then I won't eat any.

I would love some mussels, enjoy

I'm not sure how much I will enjoy them tbh. Every mouthful will make me wonder if I am going to have my head down the toilet puking all night...

DH is still alive....

well thats good........ no groaning or clutching tummy yet?

Not yet.....

how about now?

Still ok, but we have decided to keep them until tomorrow and if he's ok overnight then eat them for lunch!

The cocklers on the N. Norfolk coast say you should never eat cockles/ muscles picked in a month with an 'r'

I don't know why. I wouldn't eat them but I am superstitious. And vegetarian.

actually I think it's ok in a month with an 'r' - so the only months you should avoid them are may, june, july, and august as they tend to be a bit gelatinous and also things go off quicker in the hotter months.

Oh to be able to have some mussels, will have to order some as soon as this pregnancy is over. Yum yum!

they should close in cold water and open on cooking.