Mollusc depuration in Ecuador for food safety and market expansion

Summary

Mollusc (e.g., oyster) consumption in Ecuador is a relevant part of local gastronomy. However, collected molluscs are usually offered unpurified, leading to frequent enteric disease outbreaks. A bivalve mollusc depuration technology was developed in the laboratory of ESPOL, where a prototype system was designed, built and validated. The objective of the current project is to implement and promote mollusc depuration plants in local coastal communities and improve food safety in Ecuador, as well as reinforce and extend the bivalve market. An awareness campaign for both producers and consumers will be organized to emphasize the socio-economic impacts of depuration systems, including improved productivity, food safety and food availability, as well as human health and medical consequences. With this project, we aim to demonstrate to governmental entities the need to issue public policies that include depuration as a prerequisite for food and human health.

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