FDA puts ban on raw oysters on hold

The proposed ban was met with stiff resistance, anger and frustration from the oyster harvesters as well as southern politicians who said the move would cripple the oyster industry at the cost of a little public health.

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) praised the FDA's decision saying, "The FDA's decision today is a major win for our oyster industry and all of Louisiana. By reversing course, the FDA has acknowledged that its original plan was unreasonable and that we need a commonsense approach to protecting the small number of at risk consumers.”

Ban a move to reduce contamination risk
The ban was proposed to reduce risk involved in eating raw shellfish which can be infected with bacterial contaminants.

The bacteria vibrio vulnificus is commonly present in oysters. However, the agency declared the warm water can lead the bacteria to grow rapidly, so the oysters coming from the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months were the riskiest.

Under the ban proposal, the sale of raw oysters would be prohibited unless they go through the post-harvest treatments that eliminate any possible bacteria.

The agency had proposed techniques like flash-freezing, warm-water pasteurization or pressure treatment — for raw oysters sold during the warm months, April through October.

The oyster industry’s defense
According to the industry, frozen oysters are no substitute and the ban would ruin a cultural tradition.

Oyster harvesters stated the treatment process can change the taste, texture and color of the oysters. Besides, it is not feasible as the technique employed usually doubles or triples the cost of an oyster.

Most people can eat raw oysters without problem. Only those with a vulnerable immune system and serious underlying health issues are at the gravest risk.

However, the supporters of the industry state the risk is too small to warrant a total ban. A few deaths a year is not a reason enough to shut down an entire industry.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, stated,"[Oysters] are not only a Louisiana delicacy they are part of our heritage and our way of life. The new policy will strike a blow to the heart of Louisiana culture, costing our state jobs and hurting a unique industry."

Need for more studies
The FDA said that the agency will conduct further studies before banning raw, untreated Gulf Coast oysters during months when they are most likely to be infected with a harmful bacterium.

"Before proceeding, we will conduct an independent study to assess how post-harvest processing or other equivalent controls can be feasibly implemented in the Gulf Coast in the fastest, safest and most economical way," declared an FDA news release.

The initial fears of the industry that the ban would apply to all oysters were dispelled after the agency clarified that it would only impact oysters intended to be eaten raw. Shucked oysters for cooking could be sold as usual.