China has suspended imports of shellfish from the West Coast of the United States after finding high levels of arsenic and a toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning in recent shipments of geoduck clams from Northwest waters. The indefinite ban affects clams, oysters and all other two-shelled bivalves harvested off the coast of Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Northern California. U.S. officials think the contaminated clams were harvested in Washington or Alaska and are waiting to hear back from Chinese officials for more details to help identify the exact source. Many are concerned about the economic implications of the ban. The U.S. exported $68 million worth of geoduck clams in 2012 – most of which came from Washington’s Puget Sound and almost 90 percent of that went to China. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is negotiating with the Chinese government about how to reopen shellfish trade, but the ban could last for months. NOAA stopped issuing certification for shellfish exports last Friday.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
Researchers have warned about a rise of Listeria infections in Pakistan and called for public health measures to control and prevent cases.
Human listeriosis is not a notifiable disease and
A survey on audits has revealed they are valued but there is a need to shift perceptions from them being seen as a costly obligation.
Recurring themes were concerns about
Scientists have called for toxoplasmosis to be listed as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Toxoplasma parasite can cause ocular toxoplasmosis, an eye infection that
Indus Foods LLC, doing business as Gangothri Foods, an Austin, TX, firm, is recalling 1,626 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pickled goat and chicken products that were produced
The Better Bakehouse Snack Company is recalling certain lots of Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts because the product may contain undeclared milk.
People who have an allergy or severe
Exotique Foods Inc. of Ontario, Canada, is recalling Momchipz Veggie Chips Broccoli Florets & Cauliflower because they may contain undeclared wheat.
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to
A former contractor has admitted offenses relating to faking food safety inspections in England.
Lily Yirenkyi was appointed as a temporary Environmental Health Officer (EHO) by Thurrock Council in 2020.
