What are bivalve molluscs?
In Regulation 853/2004 bivalve molluscs are defined as: • filter feeding lamellibranch molluscs However, in addition to bivalve molluscs the regulations apply the same conditions to tunicates, echinoderms and marine gastropods, setting criteria for production areas, harvesting, transportation, relaying and purification. If your product(s) contains any of these then you should check that the exporting country is authorised. The following list indicates some of the species these categories cover: • Bivalve molluscs include oysters, mussels, clams, cockles and scallops • Tunicates include sea squirts • Echinoderms include sea urchins and sea cucumbers • Gastropods include whelks, winkles and abalone Since these species are either filter feeders or feed exclusively on filter feeders they are susceptible to picking up and accumulating toxins or bacteriological contaminants from their environment. If these products are contaminated and eaten there could be a risk to human health. Therefore t
