FDA to ban sale of raw oysters from Gulf of Mexico

[isilzha]

FDA to ban sale of raw oysters from Gulf of Mexico


AP – In this Oct. 23, 2009, photo, Julius Steel displays a shucked raw oyster at Pascal's Manale restaurant …



By CAIN BURDEAU, Associated Press Writer Cain Burdeau, Associated Press Writer – Tue Oct 27, 4:18 pm ET
NEW ORLEANS – Federal officials plan to ban sales of raw oysters harvested from the Gulf of Mexico unless the shellfish are treated to destroy potentially deadly bacteria — a requirement that opponents say could deprive diners of a delicacy cherished for generations.
The plan has also raised concern among oystermen that they could be pushed out of business.
The Gulf region supplies about two-thirds of U.S. oysters, and some people in the $500 million industry argue that the anti-bacterial procedures are too costly. They insist adequate measures are already being taken to battle germs, including increased refrigeration on oyster boats and warnings posted in restaurants.
About 15 people die each year in the United States from raw oysters infected with Vibrio vulnificus, which typically is found in warm coastal waters between April and October. Most of the deaths occur among people with weak immune systems caused by health problems like liver or kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, or AIDS.

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[ibcheft]

why not just tell the people, who have weak immune systems caused by health problems like liver or kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, or AIDS NOT TO EAT THEM ! make the many suffer for the stupidity of the few. Leave to our government.

[Pluff Mudder]

The oysters here are just fine... including the ones in our tidal creek. I can't stand them, so you can have all of mine ibcheft.

[Apache726]

They should probably ban all cleaning products too to protect the stupid from going blind or dying by ingesting it or spraying it in their eyes. And no more serving hot food to protect the stupid from burning themselves.

[cyberdoc]

Anyone who knows anything about oysters, knows that oysters are out of season during the warm months. My seafood monger (Annapolis Seafood) won't even carry them when they're out of season, for that very reason.

[Pluff Mudder]

The 2009 oyster season here runs from 30 Sept. 2009 until 15 May 2010, when the waters are much cooler. What's that saying... only eat oyster in months with a R in them?

[ibcheft]

We asked one time about that being we are on the Gulf Coast, the restaurant said during the heat, the get theirs brought in from up north out of cooler waters.

[cyberdoc]

The 2009 oyster season here runs from 30 Sept. 2009 until 15 May 2010, when the waters are much cooler. What's that saying... only eat oyster in months with a R in them?

I believe that is correct.

[ibcheft]

That what we have always followed was the r in the month, but than I have also heard, that was a myth. It had to due with the water temps, I do not know, I ain't dead and have ate them for years raw.