We review the risk of norovirus (NoV) infection to the human population from consumption of contaminated shellfish. From a UK perspective, risk is apportioned for different vectors of NoV infection within the population. NoV spreads mainly by person-to-person contact or via unsanitary food handling. NoV also enters the coastal zone via wastewater discharges resulting in contamination of shellfish waters. Typically, NoV persists in the marine environment for several days, with its presence strongly linked to human population density, wastewater discharge rate, and efficacy of wastewater treatment. Shellfish bioaccumulate NoV and current post-harvest depuration is inefficient in its removal. While NoV can be inactivated by cooking (e.g. mussels), consumption of contaminated raw shellfish (e.g. oysters) represents a risk to human health. Consumption of contaminated food accounts for 3–11% of NoV cases in the UK (~74,000 cases/year), of which 16% are attributable to oyster consumption (11,800 cases/year). However, environmental and human factors influencing NoV infectivity remain poorly understood. Lack of standard methods for accurate quantification of infective and non-infective (damaged) NoV particles represent a major barrier, hampering identification of an appropriate lower NoV contamination limit for shellfish. Future management strategies may include shellfish quality assessment (at point of harvest or at point of supply) or harvesting controls. However, poor understanding of NoV inactivation in shellfish and the environment currently limits accurate apportionment and risk assessment for NoV and hence the identification of appropriate shellfish or environmental quality standards.

/pdf/critical-review-on-the-public-health-impact-of-norovirus-3sd5d9h7ku.pdf

Critical Review on the Public Health Impact of Norovirus Contamination in Shellfish and the Environment: A UK Perspective

Geographical and temporal variation of E. coli and norovirus in mussels.

The occurrence and composition of toxic algae, and presence of viruses and other human microbial pathogens in production areas of mussels are factors determining suitability of mussel products for human consumption. As bivalves feed by filtering large volumes of water, potentially toxic viruses, algae, and bacteria as well as phytoplankton are ingested. With the expansion of mussel aquaculture and subsequent increase in human consumption of mussel products, improved risk management is required for consumer protection. For example, shifting production to offshore areas (e.g. wind farms) can decrease the hazards of infection due to dilution of contaminants, and increase overall health of mussels. In addition, the deployment of off-bottom cultivation methods such as longlines increases the condition index, growth, and aesthetic appearance of mussels. However, other hazards like algal toxins not yet monitored on a regular basis, may play a more important rule offshore. Here, we present an analysis of biological, economic, and consumer health-related aspects of mussel cultivation under near- and offshore conditions.

Key parameters for the consumption suitability of offshore cultivated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) in the German Bight

This study presents a review of the microbiological standards and associated monitoring practices for classification of commercial shellfish production areas in force in Brazil, European Union and United States of America. The classification systems are not immediately comparable principally because some regulations are based on the monitoring of water and others of shellfish flesh. To create a common baseline to compare these regulations, regression models were developed based on monitoring data and used to correlate levels of faecal indicator bacteria in water and in shellfish. The classification system used in the European Union was found to provide the highest level of shellfish safety for classification categories that do not require post-harvest treatments prior to marketing, while the United States system provides higher level of shellfish safety for classification categories that require these treatments. The Brazilian legislation prescribes depuration as the post-harvest treatment for shellfish with much higher levels of coliforms than the United States and European Union systems. Evidence was found that the microbiological limits for sea water set out in the Brazilian Resolution 357 – CONAMA are more stringent than the regulations used in the European Union and United States. The results also suggest that the Brazilian Shellfish Sanitation Programme and the European Union legislation are the least stringent concerning maximum faecal contamination tolerated. This assessment provides information on margins of safety for shellfish products traded internationally.

A critical analysis of the international legal framework regulating the microbiological classification of bivalve shellfish production areas

The sanitary survey is aimed at classifying and monitoring the production areas of live bivalve molluscs (LBM) and it is performed using standards that are provided by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science's Guide to Good Practice. In this study, data from the sanitary survey carried out by the Asl5 Spezzino on the production areas of the gulf of La Spezia during the period 2015-2017 were analysed. The number and type of the analysis performed both on the total sampling and on the individual target species, as well as the number and type of found non-compliance (assessed on both mandatory parameters and on parameters fixed by the local monitoring plan) were considered. Data were also compared with those from the sanitary survey 2012-2014. Appropriate statistic tests were used to evaluate data from E. coli and Norovirus monitoring. Overall, 4306 analysis were performed, especially on the species M. galloprovincialis (89%) and they were mostly focused on to the search of biological agents. 160 NC were detected. Most of the NC concerns the Norovirus's positivity (93.75%) in M. galloprovincialis and C. gigas. A correlation between the levels of E. coli and rainfall/ seasonality (higher levels in the colder months) was proved, especially in the sampling points located in the inner part of the dam and in the Portovenere Bay. Class B was reconfirmed for M. galloprovincialis, the production areas of C. gigas were reclassified as A and those of V. verrucosa were definitively closed. The sanitary survey was therefore confirmed as a useful tool for reclassification and for monitoring LBM production areas.

/pdf/analysis-of-the-sanitary-survey-2015-2017-conducted-in-the-io3naslefq.pdf

Analysis of the sanitary survey 2015-2017 conducted in the gulf of La Spezia (Italy): Reclassification of the areas of production of live bivalve molluscs.

Microbiological monitoring of bivalve mollusc harvesting areas - Guide to good practice: technical application

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Microbiological monitoring of bivalve mollusc harvesting areas - Guide to good practice: technical application