Canada and USA Joint Health Risk Assessment on Norovirus in Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish

The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) and Health Canada are collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a joint health risk assessment to evaluate the potential health risks associated with viral contamination in bivalve molluscan shellfish (for example, mussels, oysters and clams).

The ultimate goal of the joint health risk assessment is to strengthen food safety measures designed to protect consumers.

Two key objectives of this work are to evaluate the current measures taken to prevent shellfish contaminated with norovirus from reaching consumers, and to identify additional preventative measures that could be used in the future.

Altogether, this work is a significant step towards improving our understanding of viral risk and enhancing management practices on both sides of the border.

On behalf of the CSSP partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is inviting interested parties to contribute to the health risk assessment. Information contributed by interested parties and stakeholders may provide robust and relevant data resulting in a more comprehensive health risk assessment.

Please follow the links below for a detailed description of the project and directions on how you can contribute.

• Joint Health Risk Assessment: Norovirus in Molluscan Shellfish Risk Assessment
• Notice on the Joint Health Risk Assessment

(Please note that all information submitted toward the health risk assessment will become public knowledge.)

The Federal Government's Role in the Safety of Shellfish for Human Consumption

Health Canada establishes policies, regulations and standards related to the safety and nutritional quality of food. It also conducts health risk assessments in order to inform and protect Canadians from the health risks associated with food.

The CSSP is a federal food safety program jointly administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada devoted to protecting Canadians from contaminated bivalve molluscan shellfish.

Under the CSSP, the Government of Canada implements controls to verify that only shellfish that meet food safety and quality standards reach domestic and international markets.