Issue View | Council I | 2023 Biennial Meeting

This issue was submitted for consideration at a previous biennial meeting, see issue: 2020-l-004 ; new or additional information has been included or attached .

CFP-ISSC JSC #2 Approve and Post Guidance and Best Practices Documents

1. Guidance documents to assist regulators during shellstock foodborne illness outbreak investigations

2. Best Practice documents for retail food establishments on the importance and correct process for maintaining shellstock tags.

The previous CFP Shellfish Committee identified the lack of shellstock tag and shellstock illness investigation resources available for state and local retail food inspectors and retail food establishments. Delays in the investigation of a foodborne disease outbreak can occur when shellstock tags are not properly maintained as required by the FDA Food Code. Retail food establishments must understand the importance of shellstock tags and have adequate training on maintaining shellstock tags to protect public health. There is a need for inclusive materials due to the diversity of the population. Having the documents in Spanish and also having a infographic is important so these tools can reach the diverse retail workforce. Timely investigation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) cases by State and local health officials are impeded by unsuccessful efforts to determine product source. The incidence of Vp illness associated with molluscan shellfish consumption is on the rise and continues to be a significant challenge to health authorities. A toolkit for state and local inspectors can assist in gathering the needed data during an investigation, prevent illnesses, and could increase the accuracy of growing area closures.

1. Approval of the five retail food establishment best practice documents in English and Spanish

a. Shellstock Tag Procedures English (see attached PDF)

b. Shellstock Tag Procedures Spanish (see attached PDF)

c. Shellstock Tag Procedures Infographic (see attached PDF)

d. Shellstock Tags English (see attached PDF)

e. Shellstock Tags Spanish (see attached PDF

2. Approval of the five guidance documents for state and local food safety inspectors.

f. Anatomy of Shellstock Tags (see attached PDF)

g. Molluscan Shellfish the Basics (see attached PDF)

h. Shellfish Code Language Table (see attached PDF)

i. Molluscan Shellfish Environmental Investigation Field Worksheet (see attached Word document)

j. Molluscan Shellfish Investigation Field Checklist (see attached PDF)

3. Post the approved guidance documents on the CFP website.