You are probably aware that there is currently an outbreak of foodbourne illness (norovirus) linked to consumption of raw oysters from SOME harvesting areas in BC. SOME farms are being closed and oysters are being recalled. The keyword here is SOME HARVESTING AREAS, the media is misrepresenting this as a BC problem.
BC’s nearshore coastline is divided up into 30 areas and even more subareas. These divisions are used to monitor water quality and the presence of marine biotoxins (for example red tide). Within these areas, as farmers we operate on leases designated with a Landfile number, some in deep water and some on beaches. All shellfish can be traced back to its harvest location.
Currently recalls are coming from BC Area 14, specifically subareas 14-8 and 14-15. These are both located between the East Coast of Vancouver Island and Denman Island, known as Baynes Sound. Unfortunately, Baynes Sound is BC’s largest production area for shellfish. Please be kind to our industry because it is made up of hardworking farmers in so many more areas outside of Baynes Sound. Our farms located in Barkley Sound, BC Area 23, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island are still open for business as usual!
As a consumer, next time you order oysters in a restaurant ask to see the processing tag. This tag accompanies every bag of oysters sold (whether to a restaurant or grocery store). You can find the harvest area information on that tag and make an educated decision from there.
Stay safe everyone.