The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) sounded the alarm today, warning "consumers not to eat Santa Cruz County sport-harvested shellfish because the clams, mussels, scallops or oysters may be contaminated with domoic acid, a dangerous toxin that is harmful to people."

Domoic acid can lead to amnesic shellfish poisoning, which can lead to explosive diarrhea, coma, or death.

Today's announcement, however, the CDPH goes on to say, doesn't mean you should eschew commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters in the area. See, California state law only allows the selling and consumption of shellfish by state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers because "shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing."

But don't stress it. This is just a precautionary measure. We're going to assume most of you don't catch your own shellfish. But If you're nutting over the scallops sitting in your fridge, feel free to call CDPH's “shellfish information line” at 800-553-4133.