FDA changes direction on Vibrio vulnificus in Gulf Coast oysters
Since making its initial announcement, the FDA has received feedback from GulfCoast oyster harvesters, state officials, and elected representatives from across the region about the feasibility of implementing the post-harvest changes by the summer of 2011. Their concerns are legitimate, the FDA says.
According to the FDA, both the process and timing for large and small oyster harvesters to gain access to processing facilities or equivalent controls require further examination. The administration is proceeding with an independent feasibility study to assess how the post-harvest process can be quickly, safely and economically implemented in the GulfCoast region.