Chilean Bivalve Mollusc Sanitation Program conducted 65,298 tests in 2024

The Chilean Bivalve Mollusk Sanitation Program (PSMB), led by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), conducted a total of 65,298 tests in 2024 across 109 classified extraction areas.

Of these extraction areas, 6 are natural beds and 103 are comprised of farming centers, located in the regions of Coquimbo, Biobío, and Los Lagos.

Additionally, Sernapesca has reported that Amnesic Shellfish Poison (ASP) levels so far this year have remained well below the toxic limit. As a result, intensive sampling (every 48 hours) has been carried out, with no further action required.

Finally, the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante), the health authority of the European Union, will conduct an audit in March and April.

"This program ensures that bivalve molluscs from extraction areas meet the requirements established by the European Union (EU) for export to their countries, guaranteeing they reach the market under optimal safety conditions and are fit for consumption," said Héctor Escobar, Deputy Director of Safety and Certification at Sernapesca.

How the Program Works

The PSMB monitors and controls marine biotoxins in the extraction areas that are part of the Program and whose resources will be exported. This is complemented by verification carried out when the product is finished at the processing plants.

Also, it checks other contaminants such as microbiological parameters, marine biotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and potentially harmful phytoplankton.

"One of the reasons for the importance and strength of this program is that it allows for continuous monitoring of the sanitary and environmental conditions where these farms are located, enabling timely detection and preventing harvesting during situations that could affect public health," added Escobar.

All this information is shared with the Ministry of Health, which will implement precautionary measures for local consumption.