The Food Standards Agency Scotland announced today that bans on fishing for scallops in waters off the Scottish coast are to be lifted, leaving just three areas now closed to west coast fishermen.
The action is based on test results from the sampling programme which showed Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) toxin levels have dropped to a level at which there is no longer a risk to consumers.
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Scallop fishing bans were imposed on the west coast on 1 August 2000, 17 August 2000 and 28 November 2000.
Re-sampling continues to be carried out in the other areas closed to scallop fishing (three off the west coast and one in Orkney). As soon as levels of ASP falls to safe levels the areas will be reopened.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
- Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) is caused by naturally occurring algal blooms which can extend over considerable areas.
- The Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (West Coast) (Scotland) Order 2000 was imposed on 1 August 2000. The Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (West Coast) (No. 6) (Scotland) Order 2000 was imposed on 28 November 2000. Today’s action means that both orders have now been completely lifted. The Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (West Coast) (No. 2) (Scotland) Order 2000 was imposed on 17 August 2000. Part of this ban has been lifted today.
- Re-sampling of closed areas is carried out and two separate samples showing safe levels are required, with at least a week between each, before an area can be reopened.
For further information, media should contact John Booth, Media and Communications Officer, on 01224 285120.
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