Since 1 January 2006, the European Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) No. 854/2004 has required that a sanitary survey be undertaken to assess sources of pollution to bivalve mollusc fisheries before an area is classified for production. These surveys have been undertaken for a mix of new and existing Scottish shellfisheries since 2007.
A sanitary survey identifies potential sources of faecal contamination in the vicinity of a bivalve mollusc production area and the ways in which these may affect the microbiological status of the shellfishery. The primary objectives are to determine production area boundaries and assign a representative monitoring point(s). The sanitary survey reports also provide:
1. a record of the potential sources of faecal pollution
2. an objective basis for classification monitoring
3. a useful baseline from which to assess future changes in bacteriological status
4. information to help the harvester optimise use of the growing area with respect to water quality
The reports are used to provide background information for management actions related to pollution events and outbreaks of illness and are useful as a basis for considering the action(s) required to improve water quality at shellfisheries.
