Illegal Shellfish Seized

ILLEGAL shellfish pickers have been stopped on local beaches, with police officers seizing a large haul of molluscs to take them out of food circulation.

 Essex Police’s marine unit and Southend Council’s environmental health officers brought about the large-scale crackdown on illegal shellfish harvesting during patrols in the city on August 18.

 The operation saw 19 people stopped and 43kg of shellfish confiscated.

 This news follows the discovery of illegal shellfish pickers in Leigh in June this year, which sparked an urgent health warning.

 Ian Gilbert, Southend councillor for regulatory services, said: “The council is committed to working with HM Coastguard, Essex Police, and other partners to prevent these activities and I am pleased to see the results of the successful operation on Sunday.

 “Our food officers regularly patrol the registered shellfish beds. They have powers to inspect, seize and detain any food or equipment they suspect is being used for harvesting shellfish.

 “We urge anyone witnessing suspicious harvesting behaviour to report it to the council via MySouthend and we encourage residents and visitors to purchase shellfish from reputable food businesses, this way you can be assured they are safe to eat and will be supporting local industry.”

 All shellfish, in particular live bi-valve molluscs such as oysters, must be collected with proper registration and documentation, whereupon they will be treated in such as a way as to avoid health issues, which can make their way into the food chain through intreated products.

Picture: Essex Police officer with environmental health officers (Pic: Southend Council)

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