FDA Backs Down on Raw Oyster Processing

By Sheilah Downey

After hearing a groundswell of dissension from state officials, elected representatives and oyster harvesters, the FDA has backed off its proposed raw oyster processing requirements.

The FDA in October announced a policy to require processing of raw oysters harvested in the warmer months because of fears of the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. The bacteria from the oysters is estimated to kill approximately 30 people a year, mostly those with compromised immune systems.

In its statement released today, the FDA said they had heard from a host of individuals who had "legitimate concerns" about the proposal which would have been implemented in 2011 and affected about 25 percent of the oyster harvest.

"Therefore, before proceeding," stated the FDA, "we will conduct an independent study to assess how post-harvest processing or other equivalent controls can be feasibly implemented in the Gulf Coast in the fastest, safest and most economical way."

Concerns from harvesters included the high costs of post-harvest processing which included gamma irradiation.

The announcement stated that the FDA would work with Gulf Coast officials and industry leaders to find a solution which would have a minimal impact on the oyster industry.

One solution, said the statement, may include off-shore relaying, in which  oysters are harvested and moved to salty waters where the high-salinity content kills the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria.