Qld: Seafood tests find 'low levels' of contamination

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2006
Qld: Seafood tests find 'low levels' of contamination

Tests on seafood at Queensland's Gladstone Harbour have found low levels of contamination
from a massive oil spill.

But the Queensland government says the contamination of prawns doesn't pose a risk to consumers.

Queensland Health's LINDA SELVEY says preliminary results found no evidence of surface
contamination or tainting .. and no change to the taste or smell of the seafood.

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister TIM MULHERIN says the tests on prawns ..

fish and crabs are promising despite the find.

He says more tests will be necessary over the next week to make sure all seafood products
in Gladstone have the confidence of the market.

The clean-up operation is expected to be completed today.

Around 25 thousand litres of heavy fuel oil poured into the central Queensland harbour
after a tug collided with a coal carrier as it was about to berth shortly before midnight
last Tuesday week.

AAP RTV rm/sc/bart

KEYWORD: SPILL (BRISBANE)

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