After analyzing the results of materials collected on August 13 and 14, the State Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (SAA) of São Paulo, through its Agricultural Defense Coordination (CDA), reversed the suspension of consumption and trade of bivalve molluscs (shellfish, oysters and mussels) from marine farms in the monitored areas in São Sebastião, Ilhabela and Cananéia.
The removal of mollusks is still suspended in the following regions: Toque Toque, in São Sebastião; in the areas of Ubatuba; Cocanha, in Caraguatatuba; and in Mandira, in Cananéia. No materials were collected for analysis in these areas.
The suspension of the consumption and sale of these molluscs in São Paulo occurred after test reports of water samples collected by the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (Cetesb) and the CDA, between July 28 and August 5, detected the presence of biotoxins produced by marine microalgae above the maximum permitted value.
In 2021, the state government implemented a Contingency Plan for Integrated Risk Management Associated with Toxic Microalgae Blooms in Waters off the Coast of São Paulo, which was activated and prohibited the sale, through precautionary interdiction, of stocks of bivalve molluscs such as shellfish and oysters in commercial establishments in the state of São Paulo. The ban occurred after the discovery of toxic microalgae.
“We ask for the producers’ collaboration so that we can maintain the analysis routine and ensure that only uncontaminated shellfish and oysters reach the consumer,” said veterinarian and manager of the State Bivalve Mollusc Monitoring Plan (PEMMOBI), Ieda Blanco.
Collections will continue to be made to monitor all cultivation areas on the coast of São Paulo. Collections were not made in all monitored areas due to weather conditions and difficult access.
