• Report

Protocol for classification of Shellfish Production areas

Content: Report

Published by:

  • Food Standards Scotland

Shellfish - classification protocol - May 2026

PDF | 469KB

Content guide

Version control

VersionDateLast review carried outLast updated byComments
2.0Not applicable2019Not applicableNot applicable
3.0May 2025Not applicableNot applicableReviewed to add details on SMC and 4 dilution testing. Also updated for accessibility.
4.0April 2026May 2025GE/KW

Updated following the 2025 EU audit recommendations:

  • Removes reference to 854/2004
  • Removal of Preliminary classification
  • Removal of declassified as a classification status following dormancy
  • Addition of reference to pRMP as part of the sanitary survey process
  • Addition of reference to standard classification
  • Clarified the requirements for dormancy
  • Remove references to >18000 results and 3 dilution testing
  • Changes to Provisional classification replacing 10 weekly samples with fortnightly samples for 6 months to obtain classification.
  • Addition of buffer months to seasonal classifications
  • Change of trigger level for A class incident status

Contact information

For information about the contents of this report, please contact shellfish@fss.scot.

Food Standards Scotland
Pilgrim House,
Old Ford Road,
Aberdeen,
AB11 5RL

T: 01224 285100
www.foodstandards.gov.scot

FSS is the Competent Authority responsible for undertaking Official Controls to determine the safety of marine waters used for the harvesting of live bivalve molluscs (LBMs) in Scotland. LBMs include shellfish such as mussels, oysters, clams and cockles.

Retained EU Regulation 2017/625, along with its Delegated and Implementing regulations, establishes an integrated approach to official control requirements. Further Information can be found on the Official Controls Regulation (OCR).

We're required to undertake an extensive programme of OC monitoring of LBMs and marine phytoplankton (algae) from LBM harvesting waters. The results of this programme are used to determine whether an area should be open or closed for harvesting depending on the levels of microbiological and chemical contaminants, including marine biotoxins. For more information, please see the details of the FSS shellfish monitoring programme.

Abbreviations

AbbreviationDefinition
CACompetent Authority
EHOEnvironmental Health Officer
FBOFood Business Operator
FSSFood Standards Scotland
LALocal Authority
LAGLocal Action Group
LAPLocal Action Plan
LBM’sLive bivalve molluscs
OCOfficial control
OCROfficial control regulation
MDMarine Directorate
pRMPProvisional Representative monitoring point (Desktop assessment)
RLRegulatory Limit
RMPRepresentative monitoring point
SEPAScottish Environmental Protection Agency
SDPService Delivery Partner
SWScottish Water
SINSite Identification Number 
TCN Temporary Closure Notice

Next

1. Introduction
Did you find this helpful? We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your feedback!

If you like you can share this page with others: