Seafish has awarded £23,750 from its Industry Project Fund (IPF) to Cefas for trials on the purification of oysters to identify ways of reducing the norovirus content of live bivalve molluscs.
The project will assess the effects of time and temperature in addition to two sterilisation techniques (UV and ozone treatment) with regard to the removal of norovirus, bacteriophage and E.coli from experimentally contaminated Pacific oysters.
If the data from this project is successful, then new guidance could be provided for industry to help producers reduce the presence of norovirus in products – with a corresponding reduction in the risk to consumer health.
Anna Neish of Cefas said: “It will be good to get this project underway so that the knowledge can assist industry in reducing risks with the processing of oysters and ultimately to increase food safety and customer confidence.”
The Seafish Industry Project Fund aims to support innovation and foster growth in all areas of the UK seafood industry. Now in its seventh year, to date it has supported more than 80 projects, providing a wide range of benefits to the seafood sector. With significant partnership funding, this year’s projects will be worth an estimated £1.5m to industry.
