When the commissioner determines that shellfish might be hazardous for use as food for human consumption, he shall take such action as he deems necessary to protect the public health and welfare. The commissioner may prohibit shellfishing activities such as, but not limited to, the harvesting, shucking, processing, packing, transporting, selling, storing and microbiological cleansing of shellfish for use as food. The commissioner may advise the general public, the shellfish industry and public health officials that shellfish might be hazardous for use as food.