BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reminding consumers not to eat lobster tomalley, the soft green substance found in the body cavity of lobsters, because this part of the lobster can build up high levels of toxins and other pollutants.

In past years, DPH has warned consumers against eating lobster tomalley because it can accumulate high levels of toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyl compounds or PCBs.

Recent reports from the Maine Department of Marine Resources also indicated the presence of high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin in some tomalley from lobsters in that state.

Lobster meat is safe to eat, the DPH said.

This year scientists are predicting an abundance of the plankton that is responsible for producing the toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning, which can be fatal. There have been no cases of PSP in Massachusetts since the early 1990s.

Symptoms of PSP include tingling and/or numbness of the mouth, face or neck; muscle weakness, headaches, and nausea, the DPH said. Symptoms usually occur within two hours of eating contaminated seafood.

In extreme cases, PSP symptoms can lead to respiratory failure, so consumers are advised to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.

Reports of illness should be reported to the local board of health or the DPH Food Protection Program at 617-983-6773.