China Bans US West Coast Shellfish Imports

China has banned shellfish imports from the US west coast, cutting off a US$270-million Pacific Northwest industry from its biggest export market, reports Shipping Gazette (China).

The ban was imposed after recent shipments of geoduck clams from northwest waters were found to have high levels of arsenic and a toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.

The restriction applies to clams, oysters and all other two-shelled bivalves from Washington, Oregon, Alaska and northern California. Canada was not mentioned in the ban.

US officials think the contaminated clams were harvested in Washington or Alaska and now they're waiting to hear back from Chinese officials for more details that will help them identify the exact source.

Source: Shipping Gazette (China)