Ireland’s Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) lowered 13 of 139 commercial shellfish classifications in its 2026/27 annual review, published on September 28.
Seventeen classifications improved and 109 remained unchanged from 2025. The figures count classifications, rather than individual production areas, which may hold more than one classification.
Nine reductions were linked to elevated microbiological monitoring results relative to the areas’ latest classification levels. As an example, the SFPA pointed to B-standard results in an area rated A.
Three classifications were reduced because sampling was insufficient to retain their previous status. One was reduced after its production area was declared dormant owing to a lack of current production.
The authority based its review on results collected between January 2023 and January 2026. It took more than 4,800 microbiological Escherichia coli (E. coli) samples from classified shellfish production areas over that period.
The tests measure bacteria in shellfish as an indicator of conditions in the waters where they grow. European and Irish food law permits harvesting only in production areas that satisfy classification requirements.
Class A shellfish may be eaten without further treatment. At least 80 per cent of Class A samples must contain no more than 230 E. coli per 100g of shellfish flesh and intravalvular liquid; the remaining samples must not exceed 700.
Class B shellfish require purification, relaying in a Class A area or an approved cooking method before sale for human consumption. Class C requires long-term relaying or approved cooking.
The SFPA sent the review period’s full E. coli results to an Implementation Team including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and IFA Aquaculture. Stakeholders could submit evidence that particular results were caused by exceptional or one-off events.
In a June statement to an Oireachtas committee, the SFPA said it is not responsible for managing environmental water quality or enforcing pollution rules. The authority also has no advisory role on water quality.
In 2025, the authority assessed 144 classifications in 61 production areas.
By comparison, the 2024 review recorded 136 classifications in 58 areas, including 21 production areas receiving upgrades and nine receiving downgrades.