Membership
The MSSC is an open forum and anyone with a relevant matter to discuss is free to attend and participate. Regular attendees at the MSSC include representatives from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, The Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, IFA Aquaculture, Irish Water, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health Service Executive and industry.
Meetings
- MSSC Minutes - 28th July 2022
- MSSC Minutes - 26th May 2022
- MSSC Minutes - 10th March 2022
- MSSC Minutes - 21st October 2021
- MSSC Minutes - 5th August 2021
- MSSC Minutes - 25th May 2021
- MSSC Minutes - 23th March 2021
- MSSC Minutes - 27th October 2020
- MSSC Minutes - 28th July 2020
- MSSC Minutes - 26th May 2020
- MSSC Minutes - 24th March 2020
- MSSC Minutes - 16th July 2019
- MSSC Minutes - 2nd April 2019
- MSSC Minutes - 29th January 2019
- MSSC Minutes - 20th November 2018
- MSSC Minutes - 11th September 2018
- MSSC minutes - 12th June 2018
Terms of Reference
The Molluscan Shellfish Safety Committee (MSSC) has broad terms of reference. These are:
- protection of consumer health;
- ensuring that Ireland complies with relevant food safety legislation regarding the placing of molluscan shellfish on the market;
- ensuring consumer confidence in the safety of molluscan shellfish;
- supporting the long term sustainable development of the shellfish industry and to maximize its export potential;
- ensuring that any changes in legislation are introduced into the monitoring programme in a co-operative and open manner.
Within these terms of reference the MSSC may develop particular areas of work or projects, and can, in the light of risk profiles, recommend adjustments to sampling, monitoring and testing programmes to the competent authorities.
The MSSC may also delegate some of this work or some of its functions to sub-groups or sub-committees, constituted by members of the MSSC and anyone not a member of the MSSC, but co-opted to become a member of a sub-group or sub-committee.
Guidance on the management of norovirus in oysters
This guidance aims to assist shellfish producers to reduce the risk of norovirus contaminated oysters being placed on the market or consumed.
Code of Practice for the Irish Shellfish Monitoring Programme (Biotoxins)
The following Code of Practice (COP) relates to the monitoring of biotoxins and reflects current best practice and legal requirements. The COP outlines the procedures for:
1. Collection and delivery of shellfish and phytoplankton samples
2. Analysis of shellfish samples
3. Assigning a status to a production area
4. Communication of results
5. Additional management procedures including the Management Cell
The COP outlines the responsibilities of shellfish samplers and shellfish managers. It explains the partnership approach of the MSSC to the Irish Shellfish Monitoring Programme. The document has been developed by the Official Agencies and approved by the MSSC, and will be updated as needed.