• All steps in the process, including packaging, should be performed without unnecessary delay and under conditions which will prevent the possibility of contamination, deterioration and the growth of pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms.
• Damage to shells and stress will shorten the shelf life of bivalve molluscs and increase the risk of contamination and deterioration. So bivalve molluscs have to be handled carefully:
- The number of handlings with bivalve molluscs should be minimised;
- Excessive shocks should be avoided.
• The different process steps should be supervised by technically competent personnel.
• The outsides of the shells should be washed free of mud, and all soft adhering organisms should be removed. Hard adhering organisms should also be removed when possible, care being taken not to chip lips of shells by vigorous washing. Washing should be carried out using pressurised clean (sea) water.
• Bivalve molluscs having formed clumps should be declumped and debyssed as appropriate. The equipment used should be designed and adjusted to minimise the risk of damage to the shells.