Environment

Potentially deadly infections in consumers of oyster

by Saving Whales - Saving dolphins | November 17, 2009 at 06:27 am

109 views | 20 Recommendations | 4 comments

The FDA suspended its proposal on the processing of raw oysters.

FDA backs down on raw oyster proposal

Last month, the FDA planned a proposal to mandate the processing of raw oysters harvested during the summer months. The aim was to limit the risk of potentially deadly infections with the naturally occurring bacterium Vibrio vulnificis in consumers.

In response, the oyster industry and lawmakers from around the Gulf Coast protested regarding the disastrous consequences the new law would have on the industry. Additionally, they said, the public health benefit would be minimal.

"By reversing course, the FDA has acknowledged that its original plan was unreasonable and that we need a commonsense approach to protecting the small number of at-risk consumers."

Conversely, consumer advocates claim that this decision poses a “health tragedy” for the public.

"Perhaps in the industry's mind the number of people who are sickened or die is worth it? However, for goodness sake, once the decision to require a pasteurization step in oysters was made by the FDA, the FDA should have the guts to stick with it," said Seattle lawyer and food safety advocate Bill Marler.

UNITED STATES
Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 15:30 (GMT + 9)

(Photo: Stock File)
Source: fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?country=0&monthye...

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YankeeJim

at 06:35 on November 17th, 2009

Given the pollution in our estuaries and seaside environment, it is a wonder how grocers can find shellfish that is at all fit for human consumption.

Simples

at 07:03 on November 17th, 2009

"Perhaps in the industry's mind the number of people who are sickened or die is worth it?

Advocate Bill Marler."

a211423

at 16:19 on November 17th, 2009

I have bought oysters at Pt. Reyes for twenty years off and on, and never got sick. They are great on New Years! Put them on the half shell on the BBQ with tabasco sauce and lemon. Delicious!

Barbara McPherson

at 09:41 on November 25th, 2009

Shellfish are filter feeders so they happily eat the gunk in the water. Many coastal areas have too much sewage to safely raise oysters. The oysters are much more likely to eat and incorporate poisonous organisms in the summer than winter. Oysters also breed in the summer months and their flesh becomes soft. You should always follow the rule: Harvest oysters only in months that have an R in them.