Norovirus Detected in Oysters from Jinhaeman Waters... "Must Be Cooked Thoroughly Before Eating"

[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 24th that, following the detection of norovirus in the Jinhae Bay area of Gyeongnam Province, all oyster products produced in the Gyeongnam coastal waters must be labeled as 'for heat cooking' before distribution.

After norovirus was first detected on the 28th of last month at an oyster farm near Gusan-myeon, Changwon, the Ministry conducted a detailed investigation of norovirus in the Jinhae Bay area to check for additional detections. The investigation found norovirus at 9 out of 12 survey points, indicating that norovirus is spreading throughout the Jinhae Bay area.

Most oyster farms in the Jinhae Bay area have already completed harvesting. The Ministry confirmed that all oysters produced since March have been sold as 'for heat cooking.'

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Gyeongsangnam-do Province have taken measures to require all oyster products produced in the Gyeongnam coastal waters, including Jinhae Bay, to be labeled as 'for heat cooking' until safety is confirmed. Additionally, the scope of the detailed norovirus investigation will be expanded to cover the entire Gyeongnam coastal waters, including Hansan Bay, Geoje Bay, Jaran Bay, and Saryangdo waters.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science reports that increased rainfall this winter is a major cause of the norovirus spread. It is estimated that with the increased rainfall, norovirus from land has continuously flowed into the surrounding waters along with rainwater.

A Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official stated, "Norovirus is sensitive to heat and is destroyed when heated above 85℃, so oysters must be thoroughly cooked to prevent food poisoning." The official added, "We will continue to strengthen safety management at the production stage to ensure the supply of safe seafood by continuously monitoring norovirus and shellfish toxins that cause seafood-related food poisoning incidents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.