Last week, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Marine Resources re-issued a health advisory to remind people to consume shellfish safely.
In this advisory, Dr. Dora Mills reminds people to discard and not eat the tomalley ("the green stuff") from lobsters. Dr. Mills has since clarified this issue with a personal note:
"Lobster is safe to eat, and I hope people are enjoying it as I and my family are," she wrote. "We are simply reminding people of the long-standing advice to discard and not eat the tomalley - i.e. the 'green stuff.'"
No incidents of adverse effects have been noted from consumption of tomalley, Dr. Mills added, noting that her tomalley note was simply precautionary.
At the Maine Lobster Promotion Council we have routinely, for many years, reminded people to discard the tomalley as a general recommendation only. We have shown this recommendation on tips we publish on our Web site www.lobsterfrommaine.com for 'How to eat a lobster' and on printed materials distributed to the public. Additionally, there is a publication geared toward consumers in Maine, and available at all Maine Tourism locations, entitled "Maine Lobster Passport." This guide provides tips on buying, storing, cooking and eating lobsters and advises consumers to "Discard the tomalley (green substance)" on Page 4. To obtain a copy of "Maine Lobster Passport," call (207) 287-5140.
Many millions of consumers enjoy and savor Maine lobster as part of their "Maine experience" each year, and millions more enjoy Maine lobster throughout the world in fine restaurants and retail locations. We reiterate Maine officials' confirmation that this flavorful, healthy Maine food item is safe to eat and enjoy.
For tips on purchasing, storing, cooking, and eating delicious Maine Lobster, visit http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/howtoguide_for_lobsters.htm
For further information, contact [email protected] or 207-287-5140.
Dane Somers,
Executive Director
Maine Lobster Promotion Council
Augusta, Maine
