Let’s stop black market oysters

Operation Trident has been in place since 2007, as one of the key parts of the New South Wales government’s black market seafood crackdown.
It includes covert operations and surveillance along the whole NSW coast. It is being done by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and is focussed on oysters primarily, and dismantling the black market for this expensive and popular seafood.
Black market oysters are a significant food safety risk, as they have come from businesses that do not have the required food safety controls in place.
The Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully said; “DPI fisheries officers will be on the beat – in the streets as well as out on the water to protect the valuable crops from illegal fishers.”
Over this festive period, consumers are being encouraged to only buy oysters and other seafood from reputable suppliers and to be the eyes and ears for the DPI.
NSW Food Authority CEO, Polly Bennett, said; “Illegal seafood is often stored in the backs of unrefrigerated trucks and we strongly advise against anyone consuming seafood if they don’t know where it’s come from. Stolen oysters might not come from an area covered by the NSW Shellfish Program, the NSW Food Authority recommends people only buy oysters from reputable retailers as these oysters have been monitored for their safety.”
Just because seafood is cheap, does not mean it is safe. That is the basic message being spread this year to help stop black market oysters.
If anyone thinks they may have come across these products, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Written by Rachelle Williams, The Green Food Safety Coach.