Published
Video length: 1 min
Gironde: the sale of oysters banned in the Arcachon basin due to the presence of bacteria
Gironde: the sale of oysters banned in the Arcachon basin due to the presence of bacteria – (France 2)
In the Arcachon basin (Gironde), the sale of oysters has been banned due to the presence of bacteria in the shellfish. As New Year’s Eve approaches, it’s a big blow for oyster farmers.
It’s a decision that comes at the worst time for oyster farmers. As New Year’s Eve approaches, oysters from the Arcachon basin (Gironde) are all prohibited for sale. A loss of income for 280 producers. “We are losing a third of our turnover. In addition, everything we shipped at the beginning of the week, we have to go and get it”deplores one of them.
An exceptionally present bacteria
This ban was decided on Wednesday December 27 due to the presence of a bacteria in shellfish, norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. A human bacteria exceptionally present in livestock areas due to heavy rains in recent weeks. Solutions have been found to satisfy consumers, by offering oysters from other places in France. To taste those from the Arcachon basin again, you have to wait 28 days, while the oysters filter the polluted sea water.
