Avoid eating blue crab "mustard"

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - The Virginia Department of Health has issued an advisory warning people not to eat the blue crab hepatopancreas, also called "mustard," tomalley or green gland, in crabs within the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and its tributaries. Crab meat is not subject to this advisory. This advisory applies only to the crab's hepatopancreas or "mustard."

Tests show that levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Dioxin in the "mustard" in blue crabs in the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and its tributaries exceed the amount considered safe for long-term human consumption. Tests also show elevated PCB levels in crab taken from the King Creek, a tributary of the York River.

Crab is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. Most people's crab consumption does not cause a health concern. However, long-term consumption of crab contaminated with high levels of PCBs or Dioxin may increase the risk of cancer. PCBs and Dioxin are contaminants that usually build up in the "mustard" of the crab. Because contaminants from the "mustard" are transferred to cooking liquids, these liquids should be discarded. Do not use the cooking liquid or the "mustard" in any juices, sauces, bisques or soups.

"We want to protect people from adverse health effects of these contaminants," explained Michele Monti, director of the VDH Division of Environmental Epidemiology. "This advisory alerts people of contaminants present in crabs and the potential health effects that come from eating the "mustard" but do not prohibit people from eating crab meat."

To see a diagram of the blue crab, including the hepatopancreas, or "mustard", and more information about fish consumption advisories in Virginia, visit our Website .