Gulf Oyster Industry Council

Home GOIC Newsletter GOIC Board Policy Statement PHT Products Gulf State Efforts Report Download Report GOIC Key Actions GAO Critical Analysis		GOIC POLICY STATEMENT ON TRADITIONAL RAW OYSTERS AND POST HARVEST TREATMENT PROCESSES FOR OYSTERS TO BE CONSUMED ON THE HALF SHELL The Gulf Oyster Industry Council, (GOIC), believes that the consumption and sales of raw traditional oysters is safe and must be maintained at oyster bars throughout the United States. Post-harvest treatments, (PHT), that meet rigorous scientific standards can provide the high-risk consumer with an option when eating oysters on the half-shell. The GOIC supports research and development of PHT processes that may reduce concerns in certain high-risk individuals that may choose to consume raw shellfish, but maintains that consumers should be able to choose among traditional raw oysters and post-harvest treated oysters when eating them on the half-shell. The GOIC believes that educational efforts, that includes the assistance of physicians, pharmaceutical companies, and targeted education efforts with high-risk consumer groups are vital components to informing high-risk individuals. In addition, advisory messages will be required in 1998 on shellfish harvest tags, and retailers will be asked to place the message at the point-of-sale. Overall, the GOIC believes that the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, ISSC), education program will help decrease the number of concerns associated with the consumption of raw oysters. The GOIC is dedicated to securing additional resources for educating the at-risk community. Additionally, the GOIC will pursue all avenues that provide appropriate research and development efforts for post-harvest treatments of raw oysters.

GOIC POLICY STATEMENT ON TRADITIONAL RAW OYSTERS AND POST HARVEST TREATMENT PROCESSES FOR OYSTERS TO BE CONSUMED ON THE HALF SHELL