Scepticism over oyster warning
West Berkshire Council's warning about eating raw oysters has been met with scepticism from local fishmongers
FISHMONGERS have reacted with scepticism to a warning from West Berkshire Council about eating raw oysters on Valentine's Day.
In the run-up to February 14, the council issued a statement advising: “West Berkshire Council's Environmental Health Service is warning anyone planning to have a romantic meal of raw oysters that they could be putting themselves at risk of catching a nasty bug.
“According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), this time last year there appeared to be an increase in the number of people in the UK with norovirus infections linked to eating raw shellfish.”
It added: “Although there are controls in place to try to prevent harmful bacteria from being spread, it can be difficult to remove viruses from oysters. Thorough cooking will destroy any infection though, so this is one way of preventing the problem.”
The warning left Sean Murray of Thatcham's West Berkshire Seafood Ltd, indignant.
He said: “Certain areas are certified safe to catch oysters and ours come from those areas. We comply with all the regulations.”
Sean Rhodes of The Lobster Pot fishmongers at Cobbs Farm Shop in Hungerford, said: “We sold loads of oysters at Christmas and didn't have a single case of an upset tummy. Our oysters are fresh and supplied by a reputable company and we keep them properly.
“We've placed a large order for Valentine's Day because we do sell a lot then. I've never heard of anyone getting sick.”
West Berkshire Council said it was repeating advice issued by the FSA, which also advises that oysters are nutritious – they contain minerals such as calcium and iron, and vitamins and are also low in cholesterol.
The FSA goes on to say that proper controls before and after commercial harvesting provide good protection against harmful bacteria.
Meanwhile the council has offered advice and information to all local retailers and catering outlets to ensure staff are aware of safe handling and serving methods.
Further information can be found at by clicking the links below or calling Environmental Health on 01635 519192.
