This project set out to develop recommendations for delivery of a scientifically robust, efficient and cost-effective sanitary survey programme and environmental monitoring programme to better inform Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shellfish water programmes.
In consultation with FSS and SEPA, the report identified the strengths of current approaches and opportunities for improvements to inform future discussions with Scotland’s shellfish industry. Opportunities for integration of FSS and SEPA programmes and recommendations for Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for sanitary surveys are also provided. Review of international shellfish research and the results of national-scale data analysis of shellfish E.coli provided the evidence-base for the recommendations.