some countries require that bivalve molluscs that are to be frozen and/or shucked and/or processed to reduce or limit target organisms must first pass though a distribution centre from which they exit alive. other countries allow freezing ,shucking and processing to reduce or limit target organisms to occur in establishments that perform the functions of a distribution centre.both practices are legitimate and the products form each one should be equally permitted in international trade.where distribution centre activities and processing activities occur under the same roof,care must be taken to ensure adequate separation of activities to prevent cross-contamination or commingling of products.
distribution centres that prepare live bivalve molluscs suitable for direct consumption and establishments that prepare live and raw bivalve molluscs suitable for direct consumption should maintain the same hygiene standards as per Sections 3.2,3.3,3.4 and 3.5