The prefecture of Gironde has taken the unprecedented decision to temporarily ban all sales of oysters from the Arcachon Basin. This radical measure follows a series of cases of collective food poisoning recorded in recent days, attributable to the consumption of these shellfish.
Analyzes reveal widespread presence of norovirus
Alerted by several reports of acute gastroenteritis, the health authorities launched epidemiological investigations. These have clearly identified Arcachon oysters as responsible for this sudden increase in gastrointestinal disorders. Samples and in-depth analyzes of farmed oysters from throughout the Basin have unfortunately confirmed widespread contamination by noroviruses, the main infectious agents of viral gastroenteritis in humans.
Although fortunately no serious cases have been reported, the health risk is considered serious enough to justify the immediate withdrawal from sale of all Arcachon oysters, whether they are already marketed or intended to be marketed soon.
Clear call not to consume oysters already purchased
The prefecture explicitly calls on consumers who have oysters from the Arcachon Basin not to consume them, whatever their stage of breeding or their date of purchase. They are asked to play the precautionary card by returning them as quickly as possible to their point of sale.
These provisions also apply to individuals who fish for oysters themselves in the area now prohibited for health reasons. The ban remains in force until checks once again reveal that the shellfish are completely safe.
Oyster industry hit hard during the holiday season
This decision comes at the worst time for local oyster farmers, a few days before New Year’s Eve. Suddenly deprived of their flagship production for the most prosperous time of the year, they expect to suffer a serious shortfall.
Added to the damage caused by recent storms on oyster beds, this blow risks plunging the profession into a major economic crisis. Oysters from the Basin represent 10% of national production, a far from negligible weight.
Oyster farmers also denounce polluting discharges which insidiously contaminate the natural environment, calling into question certain practices. They wonder about responsibilities and possible compensation.
In any case, the maintenance of the bans will depend on the time necessary to sustainably rectify the failing health quality of Arcachon oysters.
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