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That is a summary of the “what”, “who”, “Why”, and “how” of the ISSC.
Now I will update you concerning current ISSC activities.
As some of you may be aware, we held our twelfth annual meeting August 6-
12, 1994, in Tacoma, Washington. Attendance was the largest ever. The meeting
had representation from 28 states, 3 federal agencies, and 6 foreign countries:
Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Republic of South
Korea.
(1)
Noteworthy Accomplishments
Of the Meeting
Vibrio vulnificus has been a topic of concern and discussion by the ISSC for
many years. The FDA submitted an issue at this year’s annual meeting which,
if adopted, would require that all oysters from states known to be affected by
Vibrio vulnificus be tagged at time of harvest for shucking by a certified
dealer. Oysters so identified would be required to be shucked and packed into
containers that were clearly labeled “this product should be fully cooked and
not consumed raw.” This difficult issue received unprecedented attention and
debate which extended into State Legislative Assemblies, Governors’ offices,
and the United States Congress. The conference voted not to impose the
recommended requirement but did direct:
(A) The appointment of a committee to work jointly with FDA to develop
manual language necessary for 1995 conference consideration of
fFDAs proposed requirement. In addition, the committee was
charged with development of proposed additional manual revisions
which identify other harvesting and handling practices which may be
considered an acceptable alternative to the harvest limitations
provided for in fda’s proposed requirement. The proposed alternative
practices must provide comparable levels of protection to public
health. Development of alternative harvesting practices should be
based on a review of all available information and may include but not
be limited to such considerations and at-harvest temperature controls,
restrictions on shelf-life, tagging, and labeling procedures.
(B)
In the interim, FDA and ISSC, utilizing funds made available from the
National Marine Fisheries Service, will develop a more aggressive and
effective education plan.
(C) The ISSC will work jointly with FDA and the conference for food
protection to develop uniform language for consumer education
advisories.
This issue presents a difficult challenge for the ISSC, and a meeting is
scheduled for Thursday of this week in Charleston, South Carolina, to develop a