Shellfish producer has pulled its oysters from sale due to fears that they may have been contaminated by norovirus. The company’s bosses blame a water company for dumping sewage into the ocean.
Dorset Oysters claimed that their recall was “precautionary” because of the fact that they were serving the same product as Cornish oysters, which could have led to food poisoning.
Although the company can sell up to 50,000 oysters per week, there were no complaints from its customers. However, the Food Standards Agency advised it to recall them.
Dorset Oysters claimed that their recall was “precautionary” because of the fact that they were serving the same product as Cornish oysters, which could have led to food poisoning. Photo:
Director Pete Miles lambasted Wessex Water over ‘pumping sewage into the sea.
Miles explained that they sell between 20-50k and 50K oysters per week. There have been no complaints from customers.
“It looks like our oysters were served on the same plate as some Cornish oysters, which may have led to food poisoning.
“It is quite brutal to recall oysters, but it is prudent. The Food Standards Agency (FSA), tells us what to do.
“We are constantly reviewing test results. Although we are certain, it’s a living animal. Wessex Water should not dump sewage in the ocean.
“We must take a stand or the shellfish industry will be shut down.”
“There are no other options, there is only Wessex Water. This is how oysters can be contaminated.”
Wessex Water spokesperson said that it does not send sewage to the sea but there are storm overflows during severe rainfall.
Pictured: Director Pete Miles blasts Wessex Water (pictured) for “pumping waste into the ocean.”
The researchers stated that norovirus cases in the community have been extremely high following the lifting of Covid restrictions.
While we are not required to monitor norovirus because it isn’t a part of the Shellfish Waters Directive we do collect samples from continuous discharges at water recycling centers. Additionally, storm overflows occur in Poole Harbour and they release dilute wastewater after rainfall events. This protects properties from flooding.
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, which receives the data we give, has not raised any concerns.