Does the Seafood HACCP Regulation permit the heat treatment of molluscan shellfish harvested from unapproved growing waters?
Yes, under certain conditions. The seafood HACCP regulation contains specific receiving controls for raw, molluscan shellfish that are mandatory unless the shellfish are processed in a way that “ensures the destruction of vegetative cells of microorganisms of public health concern.” In other words, the processor is required by the HACCP regulation to obtain shellfish from approved growing waters unless he intends to heat treat them sufficiently to eliminate the pathogens of concern. Under those conditions, the processor may obtain the shellfish from unapproved waters. However, the processor must also ensure that any chemical or natural toxin hazards are controlled. Additionally, State statutes do not, at present, allow harvesting from unapproved waters, unless the molluscan shellfish are going to be relayed or depurated, and then only if subjected to certain controls.
Related Questions
- Does the Seafood HACCP Regulation permit the heat treatment of molluscan shellfish harvested from unapproved growing waters?
- Which activities of a molluscan shellfish harvester are exempt from the requirements of the seafood HACCP regulation?
- Are molluscan shellfish wet storage facilities covered by the Seafood HACCP Regulation?
