WASHINGTON—Several weeks ago, FDA announced its intent to change, by summer 2011, its policy regarding the post-harvest processing of raw Gulf Coast oysters harvested in the warmer months. The intent of this change in policy, which would affect about 25 percent of the total annual harvest, would be to substantially reduce the number of Americans who suffer severe and painful illness and death from the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. FDA's announced change in policy was modeled on a successful California initiative that was implemented in 2003.
Since making its initial announcement, FDA has heard from Gulf Coast oyster harvesters, state officials and elected representatives from across the region about the feasibility of implementing post-harvest processing or other equivalent controls by the summer of 2011. These are legitimate concerns.
It is clear to FDA from discussions to date that there is a need to further examine both the process and timing for large and small oyster harvesters to gain access to processing facilities or equivalent controls in order to address this important public health goal. Therefore, before proceeding, FDA 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.
While this study is ongoing, FDA will continue to reach out to state authorities and the Gulf Coast industry to discuss their concerns about the agency’s policy and measures the industry is pursuing to make oysters safer. FDA is committed to assisting local farmers in the implementation of post-harvest processing through all possible means.
