The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is reminding all shellfish harvesters operating in Ireland of their legal obligation to be registered as food business operators. Registration is a legal requirement under Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.
It says that this applies to any “natural or legal person” who collects live bivalve molluscs — including oysters, mussels, clams, cockles, and scallops — from a harvesting area for the purpose of handling and placing them on the market.
Any person completing a shellfish registration document is a food business operator and is required to be registered, it says. Registration with the SFPA is free of charge.
Shellfish harvesters operating in Ireland must register by completing the Application Form for Registration as an FBO, which can be submitted either by email to [email protected] or by post to Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, Food & Fisheries Support Unit, Block B, Clogheen, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 TX47.
“Please note that registration is not automatic. Each application will be reviewed by the SFPA. A decision letter will then be issued to the applicant,” it says.
A spokesperson for the SFPA said that “shellfish harvesters play a critical role in Ireland's seafood supply chain, and registration is a fundamental element of official food safety oversight. We are reminding all harvesters who have not yet registered to do so without delay."
The SFPA says it will be contacting shellfish harvesters to confirm that registration is in place. Queries can be directed to SFPAFood&[email protected]
