Retained REGULATION (EU) 2019/627 of 15 March 2019 laying down uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption in accordance with Retained Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 2074/2005 as regards official controls. Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 S.I. 2013 No 2996
Pursuant to the power conferred on it by Article 18(6) and Article(8)(b) of Retained Regulation 2017/625, and Article 62 of Retained Regulation 2019/627, being satisfied that the results of sampling show that the health standards for molluscs are exceeded
As Competent Authority for the purposes of the above EC provision by virtue of regulation 4 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 S.I. 2013 No 2996:
Barrow Borough Council has temporarily closed the production areas identified in the Schedule to this notice for the production and harvesting of mussels by Food Business Operators until further notice.
Signed: Dated this 22nd day of June 2022
Sarah Mason
Environmental Health Officer
On behalf of Barrow Borough Council
SCHEDULE
Areas in which the production of mussels by food business operators is prohibited by reason of this order: –
(a) Foulney
(b) Duddon Estuary
Food business operators must not collect the affected animals from this area by any method; it is unsuitable for their production for health reasons and has been temporarily closed. Collection of affected animals from the area that is temporarily closed amounts to the commission of a criminal offence under regulation 19 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 S.I. 2013 No 2996. On conviction, a fine or imprisonment for a term of up to two years or both might be imposed.
PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO GATHER MUSSELS FOR THEIR OWN CONSUMPTION FROM THE AFFECTED PRODUCTION AREA. THERE MIGHT BE A RISK TO HUMAN HEALTH IN DOING SO.
Recent analysis of samples taken by Barrow Borough Council from the affected area has shown that mussels are affected by lipophilic toxins above the prescribed action levels.
Barrow Borough Council will continue to take samples for analysis and keep its decision to close the area under review. To check the current status of the area you may contact Barrow Borough Council by emailing [email protected]