Is it possible to reduce the number of yearly shellfish classification samples from 12?
Careful consideration is given to reducing the number of yearly samples from designated shellfish beds. In most cases where this is possible reductions will normally occur during months when shellfish beds are closed or where harvesting is no longer carried out. This can be due either to conservation, insufficient stocks or the likelihood that food safety issues dictate harvesting a bed is no longer tenable. The final decision to reduce sampling for particular sites lies with the Food Standards Agency, in accordance with advice from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, which should be consulted prior to any change in the sampling regime.
