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Shellfish and Death??? PART I

© Maggie Herman

Shellfish Related Illnesses

More than 100,000 Americans become ill each year after consuming contaminated shellfish, which include clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. These food items are frequently eaten raw, which heightens the risk of illness presented by the host of pathogens that may be present during consumption. The most serious bacteria that may be present in shellfish is the potentially fatal Vibrio vulnificus. Vibrio vulnificus is particularly dangerous to persons with compromised immune systems, such as people suffering from liver disease, cancer, hemachromatosis, hepatitis, or HIV/AIDS. Thus about 12 to 30 million Americans are at an increased risk for become ill when exposed to the bacteria.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vibrio vulnificus caused 275 reported illnesses and 143 deaths in 1989. In fact, statistically, about 52 percent of the individuals that contract Vibrio vulnificus poisoning ultimately die. The GAO reports that this number has remained relatively constant over the past six years, despite the FDA's attempts to impose quality controls in this field. Shellfish harvested in coastal waters during warm-weather months (usually between April and October) are most likely to be contaminated.

In addition, other less serious ailments can occur through consumption of contaminated shellfish, such as Norwalk virus, hepatitis A, and paralytic shellfish poisoning. Norwalk virus, the most common form of shellfish contamination, which accounts for the vast majority of illnesses, primarily occurs when an individual consumes feces-contaminated shellfish. Symptoms of the virus include cramping, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. However, the symptoms usual disappear within 48 hours. The report prepared by the General Accounting Office (GAO) indicates that the numbers of illnesses attributable to contaminated shellfish consumption may be even greater than reported, as frequently the symptoms are mild and those afflicted do not seek medical attention.

The GAO Study Results

The GAO study reviewed the implementation of current shellfish policies in six states-Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington-as these states account for about 65 percent of the nation's shellfish and three of the states (Florida, Louisiana, and Texas) accounted for virtually all Vibrio vulnificus-related illnesses in 1999. In so doing, the GAO study cited several weaknesses in current shellfish-related policies. In particular, the study found that the FDA does not use existing information to make risk-based decisions about where to step up oversight. Also, the GAO was critical of the fact that the FDA does not have objective, measurable data on the effectiveness of its policies. Finally, the GAO cast doubts on the effectiveness of FDA policies that rely almost exclusively on consumer education.

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