Mussel swere initially sampled on site immediately, de-clumped and
graded (Fig. 1). The batch was then split into two on site, with half
receiving depuration or storage on ice (i.e., non-depurated). After 48 h
duration, further pre-transportation sampling occurred. Depurated
and ice stored mussels were then transported by road (total emersion
time, 22 h duration) to CSAR in multiples of commercial mesh bags
(weight ca. 5 kg). Bags were contained in polystyrene boxes under a
matrix of an additional four treatments: with ice at 0 °C and at ambient
chilled conditions of ca. 5 °C; and with different humidity, i.e. with or
without a lid.