What are the food safety issues associated with bivalve shellfish?
Marine toxins Bivalve shellfish can accumulate plankton toxins, Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) and Amnesic Shellfish Poison (ASP), to levels which can cause illness and even death. Unlike bacteria and viruses, marine toxins are generally not destroyed by cooking. It is not possible to know if shellfish are toxic by looking at them. Harvest prohibitions are put in place whenever toxin levels increase above the safety standard. Bacteria and viruses Bacteria and viruses from the surrounding water, capable of causing illness, may concentrate in bivalve shellfish. Areas not meeting sanitary standards are closed for the harvesting of shellfish. Consumers should also be aware of the potential for illness due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp). Vp is a naturally occurring bacterium found in our coastal waters and during the summer months Vp can increase to levels which may cause illness. Infection results in gastroenteritis, typically including diarrhea and abdominal cramps which may last sever
