Are there risks to consuming mollusks?
	What do we know about mollusk contamination?

Are there risks to consuming mollusks?

In 2002, the Shellfish Water Quality Protection Program evaluated 238 shellfish areas. Of these, 116 areas were approved for mollusk harvesting, 96 permanently and 20 for part of the year. However, mollusks were considered unfit for consumption in 51% (122/238) of the evaluated shellfish areas of the St. Lawrence mainly because of fixed contamination by bacteria.26 Over the course of the harvesting season, marine toxins from microscopic algae are sometimes added to the bacteriological contamination, which results in other site closures. There are also more than 100 areas which have never been evaluated due to problems accessing them or the low number of mollusks present.

How can one be sure that a harvest site is safe?26, 27

Environment Canada’s Shellfish Water Quality Protection Program was established to determine the degree of bacteriological contamination of water at most shoreline shellfish harvesting sites. Indicators used are micro-organisms recognized as being
associated with the presence of pathogenic agents. When the number of indicators surpasses a certain threshold, the mollusks are considered unfit for consumption and the areas are closed to harvesting. A program sponsored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency monitors shellfish for biotoxin contamination. Results from these two monitoring programs are forwarded to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which is ultimately responsible for opening or closing shellfish-growing areas. When a sector is closed, a sign is posted close to the access areas indicating that harvesting is prohibited. Inquiries about the condition at a site can also be made by contacting local Fisheries and Oceans Canada offices.