Shellfish safety conference opens

More than 200 delegates from 30 countries converged on Sydney yesterday for the 9th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety.

Officially opening the conference, Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson acknowledged the brains trust that has come together to share their expertise and collaborate on the challenges facing the sector.

“It is great for NSW to host such a diverse and esteemed group of shellfish producers, scientists and regulators for the industry’s premier global event,” Hodgkinson said.

“Our local shellfish industry and, on a wider front, shellfish consumers will receive great benefit from the information to be shared about public health protection and industry sustainability.”

The NSW oyster industry is the state’s largest fishery by value, employing more than 1500 people directly and contributing greatly to regional economies.

“The NSW Government is a strong supporter of the state’s shellfish industry, through the provision of research and support services, by protecting water quality and by overseeing industry food safety programs,” Hodgkinson said.

“I am proud of NSW’s reputation as a leading provider of safe, fresh and high-quality shellfish that has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of the industry itself and this government’s commitment.

“We have a robust food safety management program for shellfish in place that has been in operation since 2000. As a result the shellfish industry in NSW has a good safety record.”

Hosted by the NSW Food Authority, the 9th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety runs from 18 to 22 March.