Center for Science in the Public Interest sues FDA for stricter oyster rules

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is taking another swing at raw oysters.

The advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration arguing that stronger regulations are needed to protect people from vibrio vulnificus.

Vibrio Vulnificus is a naturally occurring organism in the Gulf of Mexico – it thrives in the warmer months of the year.

Most people are not affected by vibrio, but there are certain at-risk groups which should not eat raw oysters at any time of the year.

Those groups include heavy drinkers and people with certain health conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, cancer, or stomach disorders or any illness or treatment that weakens the immune system.

For at-risk individuals vibrio vulnificus can be fatal.

People in those high-risk groups are also in danger if they wade into Gulf or estuarine waters with open cuts or wounds.

On average there are about 30 cases of vibrio vulnificus and between 10 and 15 deaths a year.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that the technology exists to make oysters completely vibrio free while preserving the texture and flavor of raw oysters and they want the FDA to stop “dragging its feet” on implementing rules requiring what is known as post-harvest treatment.

Oystermen working the Apalachicola Bay already face strict time and temperature rules to lower the chances of vibrio , especially during the summer months when harvesters have to have their oysters be either at the dealer or iced down by 11 AM which greatly cuts the number of hours they can work each day.

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