Minutes of the Molluscan Shellfish Committee - 14th February 2017

• FSAI: David Lyons (Chair), Maria Meghen
• Item 1 only - John Graham, Michael Fanning (FTI consulting)
• SFPA: Brian Nolan, Aileen O’Sullivan,
• MI: Dave Clarke, Bill Doré, Conor Duffy, Joe Silke,
• Item 1 only - Regina McNulty, Dominic O’Toole
• HSE: Paul Hickey
• Loughs Agency: Sarah McLean
• BIM: Patricia Daly, Vicky Lyons
• EPA: Liam O’Suilleabhán
• Irish Water: Valerie Hannon, Maeve O’Reilly
• ISA: John Harrington, Finian O’Sullivan
• Processing: Pat Mulloy
• Apologies: Jeffrey Fisher, Richie Flynn (ISA), Andy Mulloy (Processing), Sinead Keaveney, Terence O’Carroll

DL welcomed the attendees to the FSAI Offices and there was a roundtable of introductions.

1. HABS redevelopment presentation (MI)

DC gave a presentation on the redevelopment of the current HABS database. He explained that while the MI has made improvements to the current HABS database it is also developing a new HABS II database. The current HABS database was launched 15 years ago and since then there have been many changes and new developments, including expanded datasets and the introduction of a variety of devices that are now being used to access the data.
Some enhancements to the current HABS have already been introduced and further enhancements will be available from the summer onwards. The improvements being rolled out this year will move away from reports that include multiple areas to more tailored information that is area specific. Sample tracking information and graphed biotoxin results by species will be available. Offshore scallop data will be shown in a separate view based on the ICES rectangle. DOT noted that the old views will continue to be available when the new screens are be added.
There was positive feedback on the changes from the group and JH noted that the new screens look very impressive. BN complimented the MI on the improvements saying it was an excellent resource.
The HABS II database is expected to be online in the next year. The new database will record more information than is available in the current HABS. JS noted there will be no weekly reporting with HABS II as results will be published immediately and not batched. DL noted the importance of establishing a data feed of results for FSAI. BN and JS agreed that the new system should include a way of alerting SFPA officers to new closures. PM noted the importance for industry of having one view that shows toxicity trends. 

2. Minutes and matters arising from the last meeting (29th November 2016)

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted.
DL noted the new microbiological legislation (Regulation 2015/2285) is now in force. The limit for A Class waters is 230 MPN E. coli per 100g. There is a tolerance that areas can continue to be classified as A if up to 20% of samples are no greater than 700 MPN per 100g.
DL provided the MSSC with an update on the scallop infringement proceedings. Government agencies are co-operating on the case and Ireland has negotiated an extension to the deadline for reply, which is now due in March. There was a discussion on analysis strategies. FOS noted that the current system limits the industry’s ability to sell product. JS noted that the system provides consumer protection while also allowing the industry to supply product to the market

3. Production period 

DL noted that this item was deferred from the previous meeting. FOS noted that the low toxicity of 2016 has taken the pressure off FBOs trying to place product on the market. JH said that since 2001 the FBOs operated on the basis of closed back to the date of sample only. He objects to the invisible change of closures back to the start of the production period and the systemic denial that a different system was in place in the past. For winter he maintains that it shouldn’t be back to start of the week. He explained that this request will not go away although he noted that overall the biotoxin system is good and provides protection. DL noted industrys’ issues but said that the system is not going to change, and incidents bring practices into focus.
Action: FSAI will discuss with SFPA and MI the industry proposal to amend the COP to allow recalls back to the date of biotoxin sampling during winter months 

4. Standing Items

4a. Update on Microbiology and Biotoxin Sample Co-ordination (SFPA) 

BN noted the downward trend in microbiology results since 2008, with 2016 producing the lowest number of out of range or elevated results. BN stated that FBOs in dormant areas should inform SFPA if they plan to return to production. SFPA and MI have had a series of meetings to update and align the microbiological classification system maps and production area boundaries.

4b. Toxicity Summary Report including Production Area Closures, Management Cell Decisions and Sample Turnaround Time (MI) 

JS provided an overview of the 2016 results and laboratory turnaround time. Toxic periods were restricted to the summer months with a similar pattern of closure periods to 2015. Alexandrium sp. in phytoplankton water samples triggers requests for shellfish samples for PSP analysis. In 2016 the MI analysed 3,063 samples. FOS thanked the MI for the large volume of analysis. He queried if monthly sampling could have been introduced earlier in the year. The MI noted that there was some low ASP which delayed the change of frequency. DC noted that ASP arrives very quickly and often leaves areas quickly.
DC gave an update on shellfish toxin and phytoplankton analysis for 2017 to date. He noted that toxicity is very quiet at the moment. CD noted that scallop samples are a significant part of the workload. 

4c. Microbiological Criteria & Classification of Production Areas

FOS queried if out of range microbiology results will be discarded at the next classification. BN noted that results will only be discarded in line with the legislation (see agenda item 2). DL noted that the amended microbiology legislation brings a benefit to industry in that retail food safety criteria sampling for E. coli is now a batch of 5 samples based on the Codex system. In the new system one result of the batch of 5 may be over 230 MPN per 100g and up to 700 MPN per 100g. JH welcomed the change.

5. Microbiology and Virology 

5a. EU Baseline Survey on Norovirus - update 

BD noted that the Baseline survey is up and running in EU member states with sampling every 2 months. Ireland is taking the opportunity to carry out monthly sampling to provide a more informed picture. BD noted that the MI has already sent the first set of data to EFSA. SMcL noted that the Loughs Agency is taking survey samples in Carlingford on behalf of FSA in NI. PM queried if C. gigas and native oyster results might differ. BN said that 2 areas in the survey are native but they have different profiles. Issues with third country exports were noted. 

6. Biotoxin Programme

6a Tetrodotoxin (TTX)

CD gave an update on the work being carried out by the MI to develop a method for TTX. He noted that the basic method is in place and validation is being carried out. AOS noted that there is no harmonised method and from discussions at the EU BM Expert WG it is clear that most MS don’t have a TTX method up and running. She noted that EFSA opinion will feed into the discussion on TTX which may eventually lead to a change in the legislation but the method will need to be harmonised before legislation can be introduced. DL said that the FSAI Scientific Committee has noted the vibrio & Tetrodotoxin (TTX) issues and is awaiting the EFSA opinion which is expected shortly. They may look to address any gaps at that point. (Update: EFSA TTX Opinion published on the 20th April, 2017 also UK TTX Summary Report)

Action: MI to provide update on TTX method at the next MSSC meeting

7. AOB

7a The 11th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety (ICMSS) 

The ICMSS will be held on the 14th – 18th May, 2017 in Galway. Additional workshops, MI visit and farm visit have been arranged for the 19th and 20th of May. JS noted that 133 abstracts have been received. The abstracts are now being reviewed and the conference programme is being compiled. DL noted that having the ICMSS in Ireland is a great opportunity to highlight the shellfish industry and he thanked the MI and JS for bringing the conference to Ireland. JS noted that registration is now open.
Action: MSSC members to highlight the conference to colleagues

7b.2017 Schedule of remaining MSSC Meetings 

Last reviewed: 22/8/2017