FDA Puts Raw Gulf Oysters Back on Summer Menus

Nov. 13, 2009— -- Raw oysters will be back on the menu next summer.

Federal officials announced Friday they would put an indefinite hold on a proposed ban on the sale of raw oysters harvested during the summer from the Gulf of Mexico.

Oyster farmers and lawmakers representing Gulf states had lobbied hard against the FDA ban, which was first announced in October.

"Banning fresh Gulf oysters in the name of food safety is like killing a fly with a sledgehammer," said Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La. "Now it appears the FDA is coming to realize the harm this ban could have on Louisiana and is reaching for a fly swatter instead.

"I am pleased the FDA has listened to the arguments we in Louisiana have been making against this misguided policy, and will put the ban on hold while they determine the impact it could have on our state and its economy," he added.

The ban was proposed as a way to combat illness suffered by people with compromised immune systems who eat raw oysters from the Gulf during the summer, when waters are warmer. The bacteria vibrio vulnificus is present in all raw oysters, but more prevalent when the water warms.

The FDA ban would have required that oysters harvested in the summer be treated to kill the bacteria -- essentially pasteurizing them.

Approximately 30 people, most with compromised immune systems, fall seriously ill from raw oysters each year. Fifteen of those, on average, die from eating the oysters.

But connoisseurs say the treatment process alters the flavor of the raw oysters and only a fraction of the oysters harvested out of the Gulf of Mexico are treated.

Farmers said they would be hurt by the ban and costs would go up.

In a media release, the FDA announced that the complaints paid off: "Since making its initial announcement, the FDA has heard from Gulf Coast oyster harvesters, state officials, and elected representatives from across the region about the feasibility of implementing post-harvest processing or other equivalent controls by the summer of 2011. These are legitimate concerns."