Norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide. Contamination of food, particularly bivalve molluscan shellfish, with this pathogen most often occurs during production, and is only infrequently associated with improper storage, handling, or preparation. The risk of norovirus infection associated with consumption of bivalve molluscs is elevated relative to other commodities because these animals are often eaten raw or lightly cooked. In order to lead successful efforts at reducing consumer exposure to norovirus through this food commodity, it is imperative that appropriate safeguards be implemented to minimize the potential impacts of viruses that enter shellfish harvest areas from municipal and other wastewater sources. Systems level quantitative risk assessments for norovirus in bivalve molluscs can provide critical insight to inform the development of updated food safety risk management practices and policies.

This symposium will focus on new approaches and recent advances in the characterization of potential hazards, exposure, and risk posed by norovirus in bivalve molluscs.  Six experts from a variety of disciplines will present evidence of shellfish contamination and human illness from consumption of shellfish, development of risk assessments that quantify exposure and risk of illness, and development of risk management options to reduce human health risk from exposure to contaminated shellfish.  Significantly, this symposium brings together subject matter experts, risk assessors, and risk managers to discuss an important worldwide food safety issue.

Presentations