Minutes of the Molluscan Shellfish Safety Committee - 16th of February 2016
- FSAI: David Lyons (Chair), Pamela Byrne (from item 3), Maria Meghen
- SFPA: Micheal O’Mahony, Donal O’Callaghan, Brian Nolan
- MI: Joe Silke, Bill Doré, Conor Duffy
- BIM: Terence O’Carroll, Vicky Lyons
- Loughs Agency: Sarah McLean
- Irish Water: Serena Keane
- EPA: Liam O’Suilleabhán
- ISA: Jerry Gallagher, John Harrington, Finian O’Sullivan (until item 4)
- Processing: Pat Mulloy,
- NE RIFF: Juan Blaines
- NE Razor Clam Assoc: Kevin Phillips
- Apologies: Richie Flynn, Paul Hickey
DL opened the meeting and welcomed the attendees.
1. Minutes of the last meeting, 17th of November 2015
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with no changes. Update: The agreed minutes are now available on the FSAI MSSC web page.
JG reminded the meeting that it is the ISA rather than IFA Aquaculture that are represented at the MSSC. This was noted for future minutes.
BN noted ongoing issues with incomplete sample label. JG queried the correct biotoxin sample size and CD noted that the necessary sample size information is available in Annex 3 of the COP for Biotoxins. He noted that the minimum size is important to ensure a representative sample and that for rope mussels the sample should include individuals from the top, middle and bottom of the rope.
There was discussion on the background to and recent developments with Hong Kong import controls. It was noted that exports from the Malahide Classified Production Area have recommenced. BN noted the importance of vessels harvesting inside classified areas. He also noted the efforts of the Malahide fishermen to re-open the production area since 2014. JB noted the improvements in vessel monitoring technology and the importance of an efficient recall system for razors as they are exported very quickly.
BN noted that the SFPA Shellfish Movement Protocol will be updated shortly. Producers who wish to move shellfish should apply to the MI Fish Health Unit.
2. Standing Items
2a. Update on shellfish sample co-ordination
BN presented the SFPA report on sample co-ordination. He noted that 1609 microbiological samples were collected in 2015, which is 92% of the target. He noted that the 2015 out of range results (#48) are similar to 2014 and 2013. This is a 40% reduction on the out of range results in 2012 and 2011.He stated that the overall downward trend in detected out of range results coupled with consistent >90% compliance with sampling targets is a positive reflection and validation of Ireland’s classification system. KP noted that while fishermen have no control over or information on water discharges, poor water quality controls have a negative impact on the industry.
BN noted that the sanitary survey for the Inishkea Islands production area supported a preliminary ‘A’ classification for razors and the area has been included in the SFPA Classification. Biotoxin results for the area are available through the HABS reports and will be available on maps when the new HABS system is launched.
JG noted that the slow process to obtain an area classification area has been raised as a limiter to industry expansion. BN explained that SFPA is required to put significant resources into classifying each new area and can only initiate this process after the area has been assessed by the MI and reviewed by DAFM.
MOM suggested that industry should draw up a list of priority areas for possible classification. KP requested that the current system is simplified. TOC noted that the shellfish waters designation is out of date. PM noted that the limiting of bivalve fishing areas means that some areas are very heavily fished.
Action: Chair to request Dept. of Environment update of the shellfish waters designation
2b. Toxicity Report Summary
JS presented the toxicity report summary. He reviewed site closures for 2015 and January 2016. He noted that 2015 was a quiet year overall for biotoxins. There were 5 management cells in 2015. The 3 day sample turnaround was 97% and to date in 2016 it has been 98%. JH noted the importance of a quick sample turnaround and receiving results on a Wednesday so harvesting can take place on a Thursday. CD noted that industry co-ordinating early sample delivery during key harvesting times helps to ensure results are available when they are needed. CD noted the large volume of work related to the analysis of whole scallop as there is follow-on testing of different scallop parts and the need to test for both ASP and lipophilics.
3. Biotoxin Programme
3a. Definition of Production Period
JS explained a document showing the frequency of sampling needed to maintain an open status. JH reiterated the industry view that a positive result should only close the area back to the sampling date during outgoing toxicity. He said that this was an important issue for 5-6 rope mussel producing areas. JS pointed out that toxic events can occur at an unexpected time and so outgoing toxicity can only be determined retrospectively.
FOS said that industry would prefer that an area is open before harvesting commences as it is safer and suggested that rolling weeks would be better. DL said that rolling weeks would require a positive result to close the area back to the last clear result. FOS said the current system was designed to suit the agencies and not industry. DL explained that the current system is designed to avoid an adverse situation such as a recall which all involved are working to avoid. DOC pointed out that it is not feasible to have a system that changes during the year based on the expected toxicity pattern. MOM said that to close an area only back to the date of sampling would be a retrograde step that would be hard to explain to importing Competent Authorities in the aftermath of Irish shellfish linked food incident.
Action: Production Period to be discussed and then the updated COP for Biotoxins (Version 6) to be published. Update: Meeting held on 10th March and COP Updated
3b. Sampling Safety
FOS noted that everyone must make their own safety decisions when sampling from vessels. JB noted that bad weather can hamper sampling and asked for flexibility. BN noted that the Management Cell is an option in those cases and requests should be submitted as soon as possible. He also noted that vessel safety will be included in the updated COP for Biotoxins (Version 6). DOC noted that the verification sampling by SFPOs was introduced following incidents but the Officers will work with industry to facilitate sampling. JH and FOS agreed that verification sampling is to be welcomed and arrangements can be made to ensure a valid sample is taken.
4. Microbiology and Virology
DOC emphasised the importance taking careful note of the new legislation. In an A Class Area 80% of classification samples must be under 230MPN/100g while all samples must be under 700MPN/100g. The new rules apply from the 1st January 2017. BN stated that while the 2016 classification will continue to be under the current rules, a parallel exercise will be run that will show the impact on the new rules for individual areas. He also noted the change to the MPN tables which will have an effect on the monthly results. TOC noted that the new legislation allows competent authorities to disregard an anomalous result based on a risk assessment. KP noted the importance of an A classification to the Malahide razor industry.
Action: New Legislation on the Requirements for Bivalve Classification and Microbiological Criteria to be agenda item for the next MSSC
LOS explained the EPA role in water quality assessment and impact mitigation, licensing of urban wastewater discharges and regulation of septic tanks. DL noted that the EPA, IW and the marine agencies are in communication on water quality issues. JG noted that producers are relying on IW to improve water quality.
4b. EFSA Norovirus Study
DOC noted that the technical specification for the European baseline survey of norovirus in oysters will be published shortly. Samples will be taken from 20 production areas and 2 dispatch centres every 2 months for 2 years from October 2016. The survey report would be expected in 2019. MOM explained that the output from the survey will be the prevalence of norovirus in oyster for Europe but not for individual Member States. It is expected that this will lead to a European limit for norovirus in oysters. JG pointed out the oyster industry suffers from poor water quality. DL pointed out that producers must make their own business and food safety decisions as they have responsibility for their product. BD explained that several producers have introduced management plans to control the risk.
5. AOB
5a. Heat treatment of LBM
DOC noted that currently LBM from Class B or C waters that have not been purified must undergo one of a specific list of heat treatments. EFSA has reported that it has identified time-temperature combinations equivalent to the current requirement of exposing molluscs to a heat treatment of “90°C for 90 seconds”.
5b. Controls on Scallops
DOC explained that the Irish Authorities have raised the control of scallop (and specifically Decision 2002/226/EC) with the Commission and other Member States through the Bivalve Mollusc Working Group. At present there is no co-ordinated approach when toxicity is identified in scallop beds that are fished by multiple MS.. CD noted that the MI is monitoring offshore scallop and assessing the toxin profile.
Schedule of MSSC Meetings for the remainder of 2016
17th May - Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
5th July - Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
13th September - Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway
29th November - Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Abbey Court, Dublin 1
All the meetings are on Tuesdays and start at 11am.
Last reviewed: 12/9/2016