Expansion of prohibited boundaries adjacent to certain wastewater treatment plants

The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) will be expanding prohibited areas in some bivalve shellfish harvesting areas in early 2012.

Recent scientific evidence indicates that some viruses can survive some types of wastewater treatment. There is therefore a need to make changes to the boundaries of shellfish harvest areas adjacent to certain wastewater treatment facilities to ensure consumers are protected from the viral contamination of shellfish.

Prohibited areas are part of the measures the Government of Canada uses to keep potentially unsafe bivalve shellfish from reaching domestic or international markets. The CSSP classifies shellfish harvesting areas as "approved", "restricted" or "prohibited" based on sanitary conditions and water quality survey results.

The Government of Canada works to continuously improve controls and eliminate potential risks. Our ability to adapt and improve our food safety systems is key to the safety of Canada's food supply and the health of consumers both in Canada and abroad.

Where can I find out more?

Updates on the status of bivalve harvesting areas are communicated to the public through local media, notices posted in closed areas and information provided by local Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) offices.