The Shellfish Farm News
March 2004
Shellfish
taste good and are good for you
Todays health-conscious consumers are not
just interested in whether something tastes good, but whether
it is good for you. Shellfish lovers are fortunate because
the oysters, clams and mussels that they enjoy also make
an important contribution to a healthy diet. Shellfish are
high in protein, low in the “bad” saturated
fats and contain the “good” Omega-3 fatty acids.
They are also excellent sources of minerals such as iron
and zinc. Oysters are especially rich in zinc, which helps
with immune system function and is essential for the healing
of wounds, and for maintaining reproductive health, including
the prevention of impotence. (This is probably why oysters
are considered a natural aphrodisiac!) Clams are rich in
iron, which is key in the prevention of anemia and is especially
important in the diets of women and children. Mussels are
rich in Vitamin A, which plays an important role in vision,
growth and (again!) reproduction.
Besides tasting good and having excellent
nutritional value, shellfish are harvested and packed by
approved shellfish companies under strict controls that
significantly reduce food safety hazards. Shellfish sanitation
programs controlling the harvest, packing and shipping of
shellfish have been in existence for over 50 years. Sanitary
food processing practices, coupled with clean and tested
growing waters give B.C. shellfish a world-renowned reputation
for quality and safety. Mandatory tagging of each individual
lot of shellfish, along with computer tracking from the
harvest site to the distributor or retailer add an additional
measure of quality assurance in tracing orders so that in
the event of food safety concerns, shellfish can be readily
recalled. Fortunately, shellfish farms in B.C. are the most
stringently monitored in the world, and are closed to harvesting
at the first indication of impending red tide blooms or
changes in sanitary conditions.
Shellfish growers in B.C have been producing wholesome and
nutritious shellfish for generations and with the added
benefits of modern technology will continue to do so for
generations to come.
Dave
Mitchell is a Registered Professional Biologist and General
Manager of Fanny Bay Oysters Ltd.
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