Minutes of the Molluscan Shellfish Committee - 13th of September 2016

• FSAI: David Lyons (Chair), Pamela Byrne (from item 3), Maria Meghen 
• SFPA: Brian Nolan, Aileen O’Sullivan
• MI: Joe Silke, Bill Doré, Conor Duffy, Agnieszka Rupnik
• BIM: Terence O’Carroll, Vicky Lyons
• Irish Water: Sheelagh Flanagan
• ISA: Richie Flynn, John Harrington, Kian Louet-Feisser, Finian O’Sullivan
• Apologies: Paul Hickey (HSE), Sarah McLean (Loughs Agency), Andy Mulloy (Processing), Pat Mulloy (Processing), Liam O’Suilleabhán (EPA)

DL welcomed the attendees and there was a roundtable of introductions. There was one change to the order of the agenda.

1. Minutes of the last meeting, 5th of July 2016

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with one change. BD noted that Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a naturally occurring pathogen and is not generally linked to pollution. Update: The agreed minutes are now available on the FSAI MSSC web page.
VL explained that BIM are in discussions with an FBO on oyster exports to the USA. EU US equivalence work is continuing with some MS. Product for export will have to be sourced from production areas that are sampled in accordance with the US system. 

2. Role, Remit and Terms of Reference of the MSSC

RF explained that the confidence of industry in the MSSC structure had been shaken by the handling of the industry proposal to change the definition of production period. He noted that the consensus approach of the MSSC had worked well in the past 15 years and industry was a loss to understand why the reasonable and well-argued proposal was rejected. He stated that the current definition of production period is unworkable. DL noted that the MSSC has a consultative role and the proposal had been given a fair hearing over time. He said the concerns of the Official Agencies remained and so they could not support the proposed change.
JH stated that to ensure the future of the industry, during low risk periods the production period should start on the day the sample is taken. BN stated that a rolling production period was not enforceable.
Action: Industry to make a proposal to change the operation of the production period and this will be an agenda item for the MSSC meeting on the 29th November 

3. FSAI Statement of Strategy 2016 – 2018

PB presented the FSAI Statement of Strategy 2016 – 2018. She thanked the MSSC members for their input into the stakeholder consultation. She noted our vision of ‘Safe and trustworthy food for everyone’ and also our mission that ‘We protect consumers by leading a collaborative food safety community to continuously raise food standards and create a culture of excellence’. PB pointed out that the work of the MSSC ties in to several of our goals including to ‘Lead a regulatory culture where everyone is passionate about achieving the highest standards for food’.

4. Standing Items

4a. Update on shellfish sample co-ordination

BN presented the SFPA report on sample co-ordination. He noted that 801 shellfish microbiological samples were collected to the end of June 2016. He noted that the out of range results for January – September 2016 (#24) are the same as in 2014 and two higher than 2015. BN noted issues with the development of new razor clam areas in the south west. He noted the importance of the fisheries areas being sustainable. There was a discussion on unexpected high results from an area, which SFPA will follow-up on. BN noted that the county code for Aughinish and Ballyvaughan production areas has changed to CE.
Action: SFPA to forward razor clam samples to the MI for toxin analysis

4b. Toxicity Report Summary

JS presented the toxicity report summary for July - August 2016. He noted that it has been an unusual year for toxicity where DSP has been the predominant toxin. It is hoped the toxicity in inner Bantry Bay will clear shortly. AZA was above regulatory levels for one week in Killary but otherwise there was little toxicity. BN noted that SFPA informs the scallop vessels when the Isle of Man closes its territorial waters due to ASP. JS noted a localised Karenia bloom in Bantry Bay.

5. Microbiology and Virology

5a. EU Baseline Survey on Norovirus – update

BN circulated details of the survey and he noted that sampling protocols will be circulated shortly when final details are agreed. AOS is to attend an EU Bivalve Mollusc Expert WG tomorrow that will include discussions on the survey. Ireland has asked for an amendment to the acceptable temperature of samples on arrival in the laboratory. Update: Higher temperature has been accepted for the protocol (15 degrees). KLF queried the aim of the baseline survey. DL explained that the results from the survey will show the different impact of setting various norovirus limits. BD noted that the baseline survey has the benefit that it brings information from all over the EU although French oysters will be sampled the most as they are the largest producer.

5b. Oysters to Hong Kong

ISA requested that the Irish authorities investigate what is needed to lift the last remaining part of the ban on Donegal oysters.
Action: FSAI to clarify what is required to lift the final part of the Hong Kong oyster ban

5c. Microbiological Criteria & Classified Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas

It was agreed that anomalous results must be followed up as soon as possible. SFPA will re-sample as needed. RF noted the importance of the annual review meeting before the classification is issued.
Action: ISA and others to highlight the changes to the classified system to industry and the importance of investigating anomalous results.

5d. Possible sludge pollution event

JH reported a possible sludge event of possibly 50 hectares that he witnessed at a swimming area in the vicinity of shellfish beds a few days earlier. He queried if the country council would admit if they were responsible. SF undertook to follow-up and she noted that water pollution events should always be notified to IW. BN noted that while SFPA used to contact County Councils directly now they have to go through generic email addresses. 

6. Biotoxin Programme

6a. Tetrodotoxin Follow-up

JS reported on a Dutch organised scientific meeting on tetrodotoxin (TTX) that he attended. He noted that while TTX is very toxic, the Dutch are using a low limit and the scientific data is very limited. He noted that there are no illnesses reported in relation to the consumption of Dutch mussels. RF noted that there continues to be huge uncertainty in the mussel industry following the sampling and controls introduced by the Dutch Authorities. The Dutch Government has given an undertaking that imports will not be tested but there remains a risk that there may be testing at retail. He noted that industry and the Commission are in agreement that more research is needed. DL noted that the Commission is waiting for an EFSA opinion. AOS noted that TTX will be discussed at the EU Bivalve Mollusc Expert WG tomorrow.CD noted that the MI continues to work on the development of a TTX method

6b. HABS II

JS noted that HABS now has improved maps that allow easier navigation from one area to another. He noted that the MI HABS II project is making good but slow progress. He hopes that the new database will be available in the first half of 2017.

7. New Publication 

JS noted that this new FSAI publication, The Occurrence of Marine Biotoxins and Risk of Exposure to Seafood Consumers in Ireland is a report of the FSAI Scientific Committee and it consolidates the available information on biotoxin occurrence and exposure risk in Ireland.

8. AOB

8a. New Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs)

DL noted that the Commission has approved the addition of Oriel Sea Salt and Oriel Sea Minerals to the quality register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). The salt is harvested from the bay of Port Oriel, Co. Louth.

8b. SFPA Breakfast Information Events

The SFPA is hosting a series of information events around the country for fishermen, processors and shellfish producers. Representatives from a wide range of organisations including BIM; FSAI and the Marine Institute will also attend. The events will provide information on the latest developments, as well as being an opportunity to help with industry queries. Further details are available on SFPA.IE

8c. Schedule of MSSC Meetings 2017

 MSSC meetings are on Tuesdays and start at 11am.

*changed from 12th September

Last reviewed: 20/2/2017