The same weather conditions that lead to beach closures can determine where we source our oysters.
A recent story by WHRO explains how the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) monitors water quality to issue swimming advisories.
VDH's Division of Shellfish Sanitation (DSS) monitors water quality for a different reason: To make sure the shellfish that are harvested for human consumption are safe.
The Lynnhaven Oyster Club's main farm is located in "Section C1" of the Lynnhaven's Eastern Branch and includes some areas that are closed to harvest and other areas that are conditionally open to harvest.
What are the conditional factors that might close the farm to harvest? VDH DSS states: The conditionally classified area will be in closed status for 10 days following a rain event greater than 1.0 inches in a 24 hour period from 8 pm to 8 pm. For more information about our farm, see this post: Water Quality Rising.
As local residents know, 2024 has been an extremely wet spring and Section C1 has been closed to harvest several times. These closures do not prevent us from doing other type of maintenance work on the farm, but if we do need oysters for member events or orders, our agreement with Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters (see our partner section) is an enjoyable convenience.
In addition to added rainfall, high temperatures are a concern. See our post Hot Topic for a deep dive on how seasonal water temperatures can effect oysters and what we do about it.
Regardless of where we or others harvest oysters, the regulations for harvest and the records the entire supply chain maintains are reviewed by authorities during inspections to certify dealers. Shellfish are one of the most highly regulated foods and for good reason: consumer protection. Yet consumers need to be educated also. Tempting as "fresh" seafood roadside looks, if tags like the one shown here are not attached to the food, one should be wary. We regularly ask for tags at restaurants that serve raw oysters to verify dates of harvest. If they can't provide it, we don't order them. You can also cross reference harvester information against the FDA’s Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List to ensure legitimacy.
The Lynnhaven Oyster Club is unique in that we embody the entire supply chain from the farm to the table experience. As a certified shellfish grower and dealer, and because LOC's oysters never change hands until they reach members, we limit risk that can come from a complex supply chain with multiple points of vulnerability.
And as you know, we are right there at the raw bar, inspecting every oyster we open with experienced and judgmental senses. If the eyes, ears and nose do not approve, it will never reach your plate.
You will also notice a required consumer warning on our table and online menus. It states:
*Raw Seafood Warning:
Oysters on the half shell are raw.
Slightly steamed and/or roasted oysters are considered undercooked.
Consuming raw or undercooked oysters may increase your risk of food borne illness.
Elderly or immune compromised persons should be especially careful.
Per VA Code: 12VACS-421-930
This consumer warning is required because as recently explained during the Club's last inspection on July 30, 2024, the VDH DSS inspector said, "you can do everything right and there is still a possibility that someone could get sick."
By adhering to regulations, acquiring our bi-annual certifications, and embracing a steadfast adherence to best practices from farm to table, LOC is dedicated to ensuring your safe enjoyment of one of the most coveted oysters on earth.
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