PAR-16-378 The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) adopts uniform procedures, incorporated into the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP), and implemented by all shellfish control authorities. The ISSC gives state shellfish programs, current and comprehensive sanitation guidelines to regulate the harvesting, processing, and shipping of shellfish. The Biennial Meeting provides a forum for shellfish control authorities, the shellfish industry, and academic community to resolve major issues concerning shellfish sanitation. Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference Project Abstract --- Page 1 of 1
PAR-16-378 One of the highest priorities of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) is the development and management of the Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish. This document is used by States in implementing State programs to ensure that raw molluscan shellfish is safe for human consumption. The FDA uses the document to audit State programs to determine compliance with the standards of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). The ISSC has developed a process for review and modification of the requirements included in the Guide. The proposed changes are incorporated into a package which is shared with the Conference. The proposals are then assigned to the Task Forces and various committees that are appointed by the Chairman. The Executive Board Chairman appoints and assigns individuals to the various committees, subcommittees or work groups that deliberate the proposals submitted to the Conference. After the proposals are deliberated and voted upon by the delegates at the Conference, the Executive Office develops and submits the Summary of Actions by voting delegates to the USFDA. After the FDA evaluates the issues and concurs or rejects the proposal action, the Executive Office incorporates these proposal outcomes as new revisions to the NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish in cooperation with FDA Office of Seafood, NOAA and EPA. These actions are designed to provide a legislative mechanism by which states and the shellfish industry can affect national shellfish sanitation policy. This unique system allows stakeholders an opportunity to comment on proposed policy changes. This cooperative rule making process is very productive but requires a significant amount of effort and participation. This forum is complex and challenging and because participants represent many different interests. Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference Project Narrative --- Page 1 of 1
