1. In shellfish waters, the Department must endeavour to respect the microbial guideline value in the shellfish flesh and intervalvular liquid as set out in Table 1 to this Part, in addition to the mandatory standards set out in these Regulations.
2.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), in relation to any period of 12 months, shellfish waters shall be treated as complying with the guideline value set out in Table 1 to this Part, if 75 per cent of the samples taken comply with the guideline value.
(2) Non-compliant samples may be ignored for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) if they are the result of natural cause or force majeure.
3.—(1) The Department must ensure that the guideline value adopted as a result of paragraph 1 and samples are analysed in accordance with the following provisions of this paragraph.
(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (1), sampling shall be carried out at least at the minimum frequency specified in Table 1 to this Schedule.
(3) Where sampling shows that the guideline value adopted as a result of paragraph 1 is not being met, the Department must establish whether this is the result of chance, a natural phenomenon or pollution, and must adopt appropriate measures to prevent deterioration.
(4) Samples shall be analysed using the reference methods of analysis specified in Table 1 to this paragraph or methods which are at least as reliable as the reference methods.
| Parameter | Units | Guideline values and comments | Reference methods of analysis | Minimum sampling and measuring frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escherichia coli (E.coli) | cfu/100ml | ≤230 in the shellfish flesh and intervalvular liquid | ISO16649 part 3 or equivalent | Quarterly |