A warning to steer well clear of shellfish from the eastern Bay of Plenty

New Zealand Food Safety reports increased toxin levels mean eating most shellfish including mussels, oysters and kina could cause illness.

Deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle says tests have shown toxin levels more than double the safe limit.

Consuming the shellfish can result in numbing of the mouth, nausea, and in serious cases, respiratory failure and death.

The warning covers the area from Opotiki to the East Cape.