Pp. 48.

Shellfish are a very popular and nutritious food source worldwide and their consumption has risen dramatically. Because of their unique nature as compared to beef and poultry, shellfish have their own distinct aspects of harvest, processing and handling. Edited by leading authorities in the field, this collection of review papers discusses issues of current interest and outlines steps that can be taken by the shellfish industry to improve shellfish safety and eating quality.Opening chapters provide an overview of the key issues associated with microbial and biotoxin contamination. Parts two and three then address in more detail methods to improve molluscan shellfish and crustacean quality and safety. Chapters focus on detection of algal toxins, monitoring and mitigation of the effects of harmful algal blooms, metals and organic contaminants, biofouling, disease control and selective breeding. Part four reviews legislation, regulation, public confidence in shellfish and risk management. Chapters on post-harvest issues, such as depuration, storage and packaging complete the volume.With its distinguished editors and international team of experts, Shellfish safety and quality is an essential reference for those in the shellfish industry, managers, policymakers and academics in the field. - Reviews the latest research on significant hazards such as microbial and biotoxin contamination - Discusses effective management of shellfish safety and quality, including emerging methods - Examines improved packaging methods

Can Americans continue to add more seafood to their diets without fear of illness or even death? Seafood-caused health problems are not widespread, but consumers are at risk from seafood-borne microbes and toxinsâ€"with consequences that can range from mild enteritis to fatal illness. At a time when legislators and consumer groups are seeking a sound regulatory approach, Seafood Safety presents a comprehensive set of practical recommendations for ensuring the safety of the seafood supply. This volume presents the first-ever overview of the field, covering seafood consumption patterns, where and how seafood contamination occurs, and the effectiveness of regulation. A wealth of technical information is presented on the sources of contaminationâ€"microbes, natural toxins, and chemical pollutantsâ€"and their effects on human health. The volume evaluates methods used for risk assessment and inspection sampling.

Presents a state-of-the-art review of the current technology and applications being utilized to identify sources of fecal contamination in waterways. - Serves as a useful reference for researchers in the food industry, especially scientists investigating etiological agents responsible for food contamination. - Provides background information on MST methods and the assumptions and limitations associated with their use. - Covers a broad range of topics related to MST, including environmental monitoring, public health and national security, population biology, and microbial ecology. - Offers valuable insights into future research directions and technology developments.

It is widely accepted that increased consumption of seafood is important in dealing with growing health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Based on a major EU Integrated Research Project, SEAFOODplus, this important book reviews the range of research into consumer attitudes towards seafood and the key issues in improving the safety, nutritional and sensory quality of seafood products to meet consumer expectations.After an introductory chapter the book is divided into six parts. The first part of the book reviews consumer attitudes to seafood, including regional differences, the impact of eating quality on product preferences, consumer information needs and attitudes to processed seafood products. Part two discusses research on the important health benefits of seafood consumption in such areas as gastrointestinal health, heart disease and the health of children and young adults. In Part three, the book reviews key seafood safety issues and how they can be managed, from virus contamination and pathogens to histamine and biogenic amines. The following two parts then discuss the range of technologies designed both to optimise the sensory and health benefits of seafood and ensure animal welfare in aquaculture operations. The final part of the book reviews traceability issues.Improving seafood products for the consumer is a valuable reference for the seafood processing industry, and all those concerned with improving the consumption of seafood products. - Reviews the range of research into consumer attitudes towards seafood - Discusses key issues in improving the safety, nutritional and sensory quality of seafood products - Examines the range of technologies available to improve the quality and ensure animal welfare

Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.

Abstract: This hearing examines the safety of imported seafood and whether U.S. fish inspection programs are adequate. Concern is expressed that a large amount of seafood is consumed in the U.S. without having been inspected. Several federal government officials, a state official from Massachusetts, a consumer advocate, and a fishing industry representative present testimony.

Abstract: This GAO report gathers information on the nature, extent, and seriousness of seafood safety problems; identifies the governmental activities that address the issue; and collects expert views on the need for changes, such as the need for a mandatory seafood inspection system or other changes in existing programs. The report concluded that about 5 percent of all food-borne illness cases were seafood related and that, although the seafood industry is not subject to 100 percent product inspection by the federal government, many experts said that seafood safety problems do not reflect the need for major changes in federal programs.