National Shellfish Sanitation in the Philippines
Abstract
The Philippine shellfish are considered healthy and nutritious food. However, many are grown in estuaries and coastal areas that pose health risks. As filter feeders, they sieve particles, any pathogenic bacteria or viruses... [ view full abstract ]
The Philippine shellfish are considered healthy and nutritious food. However, many are grown in estuaries and coastal areas that pose health risks. As filter feeders, they sieve particles, any pathogenic bacteria or viruses of faecal origin and toxin-bearing phytoplankton from the water column; concentrate these in their meat and become toxic. A National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) was establish to protect consumers’ health, facilitate domestic as well as international trade, and protect the reputation of the Philippines as a producer of safe and nutritious seafood. It draws from national statutory requirements and best international practice. The NSSP consists of codes of practice for microbiological and marine biotoxin monitoring. It provides scientific advice to underpin food safety policy and risk management decisions in the classification of shellfish growing areas and the degree to which the shellfish have to be treated if necessary before they are safe to eat. Sanitary surveys in the vicinity of harvesting areas with microbiological monitoring provides an assessment of the risk of bacterial and viral pathogens contamination. In addition, regular marine biotoxins monitoring is done. It was pilot tested in two bays Sapian, Capiz and Sorsogon, Sorsogon. Sapian Bay, has had no history of toxic algal blooms while Sorsogon Bay, experienced several harmful algal blooms. Both areas have local legislations i. e. basic fisheries ordinance that include identification of shellfish growing areas among other different fisheries uses. One year of monitoring data was collected to validate existing growing areas and/or identify potential growing areas for safe shellfish.
Authors
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Sandra Victoria Arcamo
(Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources)
Topic Area
Regulations
Session
OS-01 » Shellfish sanitation models around the world (11:00 - Monday, 15th May)