CDPH Warns the Public Not to Consume Pacific Sardines and Northern Anchovies Harvested from Central California Waters​ 

June 26, 2026  

SN26-013​ 

(Updated July 6, 2026) 

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advises the public not to consume commercially harvested Pacific sardines and Northern anchovies from waters between: 

• Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37⁰ 11.00' N. lat.) to Point Lobos, Monterey County (36⁰ 31.46' N. Lat.) 
  

Dangerous levels of domoic acid, also referred to as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), have been detected in sardines and anchovies collected from Central California Coastal waters. Because domoic acid can accumulate in digestive organs and other tissues, contaminated fish may pose a health risk to consumers. The public is advised to not consume commercially harvested Pacific sardines and Northern anchovies from the affected area until further notice. 

For recreationally caught Pacific sardines and Northern anchovies, consumers should remove and discard the internal organs (viscera) before preparing the fish and consume only the meat. Removing the viscera can reduce exposure to domoic acid, which accumulates primarily in the internal organs. The safest course of action is to avoid consuming Pacific sardines and Northern anchovies caught from the affected area until this advisory is lifted.  

Please note that this advisory is not applicable to fish that are directly off-loaded for use as bait (i.e. not intended for human or pet consumption). 

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma, or death.  

CDPH continues to coordinate its efforts with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the fishing community to collect and test fish samples from the impacted areas until domoic acid levels have dissipated. There have been no reported illnesses associated with this event. 

Test results are updated as laboratory results become available and can be viewed on the ​CDPH Domoic Acid webpage. Please visit CDPH’s Domoic Acid FAQ for more information. To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and quarantines, call CDPH’s toll-free “Shellfish Information Line” at (800) 553-4133. ​​