In a state issue late last week, DEAT assured that all products coming from Aquaculture farms on the West Coast were never at risk from shellfish poisoning. However, the Department has advised care with wild shellfish. They not should be collected or eaten on a recreational basis on the West Coast until further notice, it states.
The reason that farmed seafood safety can be assured is because the Aquaculture industry is monitored separately through a Molluscan Shellfish Monitoring and Control Programme. As part of this programme regular tests are done, for instance for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning test are done every 48 hours. This programme is managed by the Department and is implemented at all Aquaculture farms, as it forms part of their permit conditions.
The reason that farmed seafood safety can be assured is because the Aquaculture industry is monitored separately through a Molluscan Shellfish Monitoring and Control Programme. As part of this programme regular tests are done, for instance for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning test are done every 48 hours. This programme is managed by the Department and is implemented at all Aquaculture farms, as it forms part of their permit conditions.