The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced changes to the state’s shellfish aquaculture regulations aimed at improving safety. The new rules went into effect on Aug. 11.
“The recent regulatory changes include an extension of the duration of the summer period of post-harvest shellfish temperature control,” the DEM said in a statement.
“Under the new guidance, increased icing and shading requirements, and shorter delivery time to refrigerated storage are in effect during June 1 through September 30. A requirement that shellfish growers take a harvester education class that stresses seafood safety best management practices at least once every two years was also added.”
The DEM said the changes were developed in consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, the RI Coastal Resources Management Council and the shellfish industry.
“The revised aquaculture regulations are part of a system that protects public health by ensuring that only quality, safe shellfish is harvested and enters the food system,” the DEM said.
“DEM, RIDOH, and CRMC, along with industry partners, collaborate to ensure that shellfish grown and harvested from Rhode Island waters continues to be a quality safe seafood product to be enjoyed by all consumers. This is achieved by diligent monitoring of shellfish harvesting waters and ensuring that safe post-harvest practices such as rapid chilling of harvested shellfish are in effect.”
More information on DEM’s Shellfish Program is available at www.dem.ri.gov/shellfish.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
