On December 4, 2008 Michigan received federal approval from the Food and Drug Administration to be a regulatory auditor for Michigan shellfish processors and shippers.  Michigan is now a registered participating State with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).  NSSP is an FDA program designed to prevent human illness associated with the consumption of fresh and frozen shellfish through the establishment of sanitary controls over all phases of the growing, harvesting, shucking, packing and distribution of fresh and frozen shellfish.  Shellfish in this program include fresh and fresh-frozen oysters, clams, mussels and scallops.

In addition to being part of the NSSP, Michigan is now included in the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC). ISSC was formed to promote shellfish sanitation through the cooperation of state and federal control agencies, the shellfish industry, and academia.  ISSC also improves the uniformity of state shellfish sanitation programs under the NSSP.

To be approved for interstate shellfish shipping, Michigan firms must successfully complete an audit conducted by Michigan’s Shellfish Sanitation Officer and receive a certification number.  Certification is provided free of charge by the Michigan Department of Agriculture to Michigan firms.

View Michigan Department of Agriculture press release.

Contact Information:

Firms interested in getting certified may contact Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Shellfish Sanitation Officer Vijaya Pandit at (313) 456-1300 or PanditV@michigan.gov or Kevin Halfmann, Policy Specialist at (517) 373-1060 or HalfmannK@michigan.gov for further information.

Additional Information:

• Michigan Shellfish Program document - more about the Michigan shellfish program including specific certification requirements and definitions
  
  
• NSSP - National Shellfish Sanitation Program history, purpose, and participation protocol
  
  
• Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List
  
  
• ISSC - Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference