Minutes of the Molluscan Shellfish Safety Committee - 5th of July 2016

• FSAI: David Lyons (Chair), Maria Meghen 
• SFPA: Susan Steele, Donal O’Callaghan, Kareen Anderson, Brian Nolan, Joan Hayes, Lesley McCaffrey,
• MI: Joe Silke, Bill Doré, Conor Duffy
• BIM: Vicky Lyons
• EPA: Liam O’Suilleabhán
• Irish Water: Louise Dwyer, David Matthews
• ISA & Industry: Richie Flynn, Frank Carter, Edward Gallagher, Hugh Wilhare (from item 3)
• Processing: Pat Mulloy
• Apologies: Pamela Byrne (FSAI), Patricia Daly (BIM), Valerie Hannon (IW), John Harrington (ISA), Paul Hickey (HSE), Sarah McLean (Loughs Agency), Des Moore (ISA), Terence O’Carroll, (BIM), Finian O’Sullivan (ISA)

DL opened the meeting and welcomed the attendees, particularly those who were first time attendees to an MSSC. He also thanked those that had travelled long distances. He noted that the idea to hold an MSSC in Donegal had come from the very good industry attendance at the Donegal Shellfish Regional Information Event held in April 2015.
It was agreed that the agenda item ‘Role, remit and terms of reference of the MSSC’ would be deferred until the next meeting. It was agreed that the September and November meetings would swap locations (see updated table at the end).

1. Minutes of the last meeting, 17th of May 2016

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with one change. Update: The agreed minutes are now available on the FSAI MSSC web page.
On Oyster Exports to the USA, DOC stated that industry should register its interest as soon as possible so Ireland can join the current equivalency process. 

2. Standing Items

2a. Update on shellfish sample co-ordination

BN presented the SFPA report on sample co-ordination. He noted that 666 shellfish microbiological samples were collected to the end of May 2016. He noted that the out of range results for January – June 2016 (#9) are lower than in the same period in 2015 (#10) and 2014 (#15). There is a year on year trend of lower out of range results. Two areas are currently being sampled with a view to obtaining a preliminary classification.

BN stated that if industry wants to recommence commercial harvesting from a dormant area then they need to contact the SFPA. He stressed the importance of maintaining the required minimum number of samples as if the dormant classification lapses a lot of work is required to re-classify. RF noted the importance of the dormancy option in the classification. PM queried how fishermen can get the samples for seasonal areas when they aren’t fishing. BN explained they should take samples during the active season and around that time.
BN explained that the 2016 Implementation Team meeting for the Shellfish Classification was held on the 28th June. It was attended by representatives from the SFPA, FSAI, MI and industry. The 2016-2017 Shellfish Classification will be published shortly. BN noted improvements in the system such as areas with better water quality, better local information and better co-operation. He noted a link between better water quality results and improvements to Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs). RF said that the public should be aware that domestic water charges help to fund improvements to WWTPs and that this is vital to protect our aquatic environment and in particular to ensure shellfish food safety.

2b. Toxicity Report Summary

JS presented the toxicity report summary for May – June 2016. He noted that there is DSP above the regulatory limit in some areas in the South West at present. In the North West he noted that while Dinophysis spp are present, the toxicity has not yet appeared in the shellfish. JS noted that while Pseudo-nitzschia spp. are present in phytoplankton samples at the moment, the dominant species are non-toxic. He noted that there had been no ASP closure to date and normally if there is no closure in March or April then ASP doesn’t cause a problem after that. Sampling for PSP is weekly at present in Cork Harbour and Alexandrium spp. are present in low numbers around the coast. RF thanked JS for the toxicity report update.

3. Microbiology and Virology

3a. Microbiological Criteria & Classified Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas

BD noted that the impact of the new legislation will not be extensive as Ireland was already using a harmonised approach although there will be an impact on the classification of some production areas. BD has carried out a preliminary review of the data for areas that may change classification when the new Codex based requirements are implemented in 2017. Overall he found that there was not a big effect and the option of disregarding anomalous results can be used. There are four areas that may go from A Class to B Class and 8 areas may go from A Class to Seasonal A Class. RF said the new system was to be welcomed as it gives an option to disregard anomalous results rather than the previous system which was based on ‘1 strike and you are out’. DL advised that high results should be challenged as soon as possible. The COP for microbiology will be updated. RF noted that the polluter must pay not the shellfish farmers and that it is important that industry is aware of the changes.

3b. EU Survey on Norovirus – update

DOC gave a presentation on the baseline survey of norovirus in oysters following an EFSA meeting he attended in May 2016. He noted that the outputs will be based on the EU prevalence of norovirus and not individual exporting countries, as per the specification. There will be sampling in 22 production areas and 1 dispatch centre from November 2016. The EFSA sampling is once every two months but SFPA will take samples every month as this will provide useful additional information. DL said that the report is expected in 2019 and any changes in legislation may take an additional few years. DOC noted that during this time shellfish producers must still put safe food on the market.

LOS queried the standardisation of laboratory methods in the project and DOC explained that the CRL is working with the national laboratories and has established a proficiency testing scheme. It was noted that the MI is the only shellfish norovirus laboratory in Ireland and BD noted that it is difficult to establish one partly due to the difficult in obtaining standard reference material. RF noted the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive includes the protection of the environment and water quality. He noted that industry would like a better norovirus test to be developed and that the reference must stop over-stating the risk from norovirus.

3c. Oyster Exports

FC queried if guidelines could be established to assist shellfish producers to safely export product. He noted that when an importing third country samples product for norovirus, the result may show the presence of norovirus but the product would be safe to eat as the virus particles are not live. There was a discussion on alternative methods for norovirus analysis but BD explained that the ISO method is the best method for routine analysis. 

DL explained that importing third countries are free to decide what tests they use and what product they test. He noted that product being placed on the market must meet EU standards and be safe to eat and that Irish product might be indirectly exported to third countries. It was agreed that it is important to foster good relationships with importing countries as this can help when there is an issue. DL noted that several government agencies are available to provide assistance to exporting companies. 

3d. Update from the Microbiological EU NRL annual meeting, May 2016

BD gave an overview of the annual workshop of the microbiological NRLs. The EURL is updating Official Control Guides, namely the Good Practice Guide and the Community Guide. BD noted that when this work is complete the Irish COP will be updated. The EURL reminded the workshop of the need for MS seeking approval to comply with the Good Practice Guide, including Annex 4 on export to the USA. The EURL noted complications with seasonal classification and this will be considered further by the Expert Working Group.
BD noted that the presence of vibrios in product was an important issue at the meeting and it is seen as an increasing problem in higher latitudes. Product must be kept chilled to keep vibrio numbers low. RF noted that the species of vibrio found in bivalves is different to that found in fish. BD also noted the growing awareness and importance of Hepatitis E and that bivalve molluscs have a potential role in the transmission of the virus in the EU. The EURL is working on guidance related to the norovirus laboratory method.

4. Biotoxin Programme

4a. Phytoplankton Delivery

EG suggested that additional safety could be provided in the phytoplankton system if the samples were sent registered post and if the MI rang samplers when a sample was not received. JS suggested that rather than the cost of registered post, a second sample could be taken and then if the first sample goes missing the second sample can be forwarded. He pointed out that the MI does not know if a sample is missing or whereas the producer will know its missing as there is no report. BN noted that the number of samples that go missing has reduced and that the onus is on the producer to ensure that the minimum of 3 out of 4 weekly phytoplankton samples are received. 

4b. New Toxin in European Molluscs - Tetrodotoxin

RF gave an update on the Dutch emergency measures to sample shellfish for Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and he noted that two areas have been closed already. The measures have created huge uncertainty in the mussel industry and there is a risk that the Dutch industry will be closed down. The Dutch Government has given an undertaking that imports will not be tested but there may be testing at retail. EFSA have been asked for a risk assessment. DOC explained that SFPA has raised Irish concerns about the Dutch actions with the EC and Dutch Minister (Update: SFPA letter circulated 11/07/16). CD noted that while the MI is working on a method it will take time and there is also no information on background levels. He noted that past experience with yessotoxins and pectenotoxins had shown the problem with rushing to set limits.

5. AOB

5a. Safefood Event - ‘Safer Food – Avoidance of Product Recalls’

‘Safer Food – Avoidance of Product Recalls’ is a free workshop that Safefood is hosting in Letterkenny on the 7th September. DL noted that it is part of a series and the programme includes topics such as ‘Avoiding product recall and economic implications’ and ‘Traceability and supply chains’.

5b. Schedule of MSSC Meetings for the remainder of 2016

All the meetings are on Tuesdays and start at 11am.

*Note the locations have swapped from the original schedule

Last reviewed: 18/10/2016