On Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:28:43 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:


Varies, state to state but MA has very specific regulations on the post
harvesting handling of oysters and other shell fish that are intended
for distribution to restaurants, etc. Icing in a slurry that is
temperature controlled, rinsing, prevention of exposure to direct
sunlight, etc.

Much is due to close to shore ocean areas that have become contaminated
over the years.


Down here a lot of the inshore areas have been closed to shell fish
harvesting and I bet if the politicians were not involved there might
not be any oysters taken at all. The same is true in the Chesapeake.
At the end of the day you have to realize these are filter feeders and
they tend to concentrate any contaminant in the water. I don't eat
liver or kidneys either.
OTOH oysters are excellent for water quality, just because they do
filter out a lot of stuff we would rather not have there.