European Alert : Norovirus in Irish Oysters

Norovirus in Irish Oysters


In 2014, 59 european alerts have been registered in the RASFF [Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed] for Foodborne viruses (Norovirus & Hepatitis A Virus). Bivalve Mollusks (Clams, oysters, mussels, solen) are the most implicated food (84%) by this risk, should they be raw, cooked, boiled, chilled.

One single Norovirus alert in 2014 for Ireland

This is the first RASFF alert for an irish product this year.
Norovirus once detected thrice in irish oysters back in 2012 :
2012.0257, 2012.0306, 2012.1748.

Irish Oysters : 42 areas and 60 operators

Ireland has 42 production areas classified for oysters (http://www.sfpa.ie/SeafoodSafety/Shellfish/ClassifiedAreas.aspx) and 60 registered operators for bivalve mollusks according to the European Regulation (EC) No 853 / 2004.

EFSA Scientific Opinion for Norovirus in Oysters

In 2012, EFSA published  a report giving recommendations for testing Norovirus (NoV) in oysters using the CEN standardized method.