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S01008: Monitoring of E. Coli in shellfish for harvesting site classifications

Monday 18 November 2002

This research project aims to monitor E. coli levels in shellfish and the results will be used to classify Scottish shellfish harvesting sites.

Study Duration : December 2001 to November 2004

Contractor : Fisheries Research Service

Background

Under EEC Directive 91/492/EEC UK shellfish production sites are classified based on the degree of contamination by the faecal indicator bacterium, Escherichia coli , present in samples of mollusc flesh. This statutory programme is the Scottish Monitoring Programme for E. coli in shellfish used to classify Scottish shellfish harvesting sites.

Results and findings

The EEC Directive 91/492/EEC requires all shellfish harvesting areas to be classified based on their degree of contamination by the faecal indicator bacterium Escherichia coli , present in samples of shellfish flesh.

This project ensures that samples of flesh from all shellfish production areas in Scotland are analysed throughout the year. These results allow the Food Standards Agency to award each production area a classification for the year.

The results of this monitoring are reported annually and completed reports (2002, 2003 and 2004) are available as detailed below.

Monitoring continues to be carried out under this project.

Dissemination information

The reports are available from the FSA Information Centre.

To obtain copies, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk )

Contact : For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant programme contact or email: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

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