The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced earlier this month a new molluscan shellfish Health Certificate for products exported to Europe.
In a news release from Feb. 4, NOAA released the Health Certificate for Imports of Live, Frozen, Chilled or Processed Bivalve Molluscs, Echinoderms, Tunicates, and Marine Gastropods Intended for Human Consumption from the United States of America, a new certification that would be used for live molluscan shellfish hiring in areas of the U.S. that are European Union approved, such as Massachusetts and Washington.
“The NOAA Handbook will be updated on February 24, 2022, to include all relevant policy and procedure updates," NOAA officials said in the news release.
The new certificate will be effective on Feb. 27, and be used towards ensuring the health of live molluscan shellfish harvested from approved European Commission (EC) growing areas. All certified products will include a current valid EU approval number that lists the harvester, producer, processor, storage facility, and any associated shipper, according to the news release.
The new Health Certificate will also open up the possibility for U.S. firms in other states to be considered for eligibility in exporting shellfish to the EU with the help of the new, streamlined process established by the FDA and the European Commission.
