Shellfish Harvesting Classifications Scotland: 2002–2003

1. Background

The classification protocol is intended to give direction on the classification of shellfish harvesting areas programme run by the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) under the Shellfish Hygiene directive 91/492/EEC. It has been the subject of extensive consultation and all relevant comments have been incorporated within the document.

2. Samples & Classification

The protocol has been simplified to reflect the basic requirements of classification in particular emphasising sampling requirements and giving examples as to how results of such sampling will relate to the final classification.

If the minimum number of samples are not submitted for a production area in separate months, declassification will result. The minimum number of samples is 6 samples in separate months over the year.

3. Application Form for Classification (Form CAF 1)

The protocol document includes an application form (CAF 1) for use in applying for a new site to be classified. The form should be completed by the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in conjunction with the shellfish harvester, where appropriate. This will allow FSAS to set an appropriate service standard and allow all parties to be aware of how long a classification will take to be awarded.

Each new classified site will be allocated a Site Identification Number (SIN) to be used on all future sample submissions and correspondence.

You should begin to use the classification application form from 1st January 2003. This form should be submitted to FSAS with a copy accompanying classification samples to the Marine Laboratory Aberdeen (MLA).

4. Appeals Procedure & Application Form (Form AAF 1)

The procedure for appeals has been reviewed in response to comments made during 2002, from which improvements have been made. A copy of the form is located in the appeals information section. An application form (AAF 1) has also been provided for use by those wishing to appeal.

The appeals panel will review the FSAS data and take into consideration any supporting evidence presented by the harvester. To assist in this consideration it is strongly advised that copies of any laboratory sample results undertaken by the harvester are included with the appeal application.

Only results from laboratories using the approved method of analysis, as stipulated in the Food Safety (Fishery Products & Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998, will be considered.

5. Site Identification Number (SIN)

In order to manage the classified sites in your area most effectively the FSAS will allocate a Site Identification Number (SIN) to each site. This number can be found in the 2003 classification document.

It is intended that from January 2003 all samples will be accompanied by the Site Identification Number (SIN) on the laboratory submission form.

Samples that are not accompanied by this number will not be accepted by the laboratory.

6. Collection and Transport of Samples

The quantity of product within each sample is determined by the species and is set down in the sampling protocol provided by the Marine Laboratory Aberdeen. (Copy included in classification protocol)

In order for your samples to remain properly chilled during transit it is important to use at least 6 frozen cool packs in each 30 litre sample box. The sample box must not contain not more than 8 samples. It is essential that you do not over pack the sample box since samples arriving at the laboratory out with the specified temperature (0°c to 8°c) will not be accepted.

Sample boxes used in the Western Isles, Shetland Isles and Orkney are fitted with a temperature logger. Please ensure that this logging device is returned with the shellfish samples.