Are Whitstable oysters safe?

An investigation has been launched after “a number” of diners eating oysters from Whitstable on the north Kent coast fell ill with vomiting and diarrhoea. “Our safety and testing systems are second to none and we look forward to restarting the supply of our world-famous oysters.”

Why does Whitstable have so many oysters?

“If you looked at Whitstable when it produced 100 million oysters a year, the whole foreshore was taken up with oyster production. Whether you like it or not, the reason why people come to Whitstable is because it has that commercial nature. There’s a harbour with fishing boats, and an oyster industry.

Are Whitstable oysters farmed?

The Whitstable Oyster Company has been growing oysters in the words of ancient documents since time immemorial. Today we are hands on with more than half a dozen methods of production. Natives reared on our ground (a freehold area of six square miles) are the only true Royal Whitstable Native Oyster.

Why are Whitstable oysters so good?

The seaside town of Whitstable, on the North coast of Kent in southeast England, has been famous for its succulent, fatty oysters since the 1400s. They are perhaps the only oysters in the world that melt in your mouth, aided by a dash of Tabasco and a squirt of fresh lemon.

Why are there no oysters?

There’s always the weather Every year, oyster supply tightens during mid-winter through early summer. When the waters get colder, the oysters slow their metabolism significantly because there is no food. Algae is least abundant in winter because cold water temperatures inhibit their reproduction and growth.

Why are there no oysters in Whitstable?

A ban on the sale of oysters caught off Whitstable has been lifted after a shellfish farm was shut down twice in one month. Public Health England said the first closure came when “a small number” of the people affected tested positive for norovirus after eating oysters in late May and early June.

Why is Whitstable Oyster Farm closed?

The Whitstable Oyster Company farm was shut down towards the end of last month after at least 100 people reportedly suffered sickness.

How are oysters harvested Whitstable?

The oysters are actually farmed. Oyster spat is harvested from the sea around Whitstable. The oysters are raised in hatcheries inside, then transferred to an outdoors hatchery when they are 3 mm big, then later laid onto the oyster beds. They are harvested from the beds when they are 3 to 5 years old.

Where to eat oysters in Whitstable, Kent?

Whitstable famous for its Oysters now has another Pearl in its collection. The Award winning Oyster Pearl bar and restaurant at Seasalter is serving high quality and creative dishes in a pleasant environment with friendly and helpful staff.

Where are the Seasalter shellfish in Whitstable Bay?

Whitstable Bay is part of the Swale estuary, a shallow area with good tidal interaction between land and sea giving ideal conditions for good algal production and shellfish growth. Seasalter Shellfish (Whitstable) Ltd owns two square miles of seabed off Whitstable known as the Pollard Ground.

Is there an oyster bar in Seasalter Kent?

The Award winning Oyster Pearl bar and restaurant at Seasalter is serving high quality and creative dishes in a pleasant environment with friendly and helpful staff.

What kind of shellfish are at Seasalter Beach?

Species produced of oyster and clam seed are (Crassostrea gigas, Ostrea edulis, Mercenaria mercenaria, Tapes decussata, Tapes semidecussata). and other species of bivalve mollusc to order. Our beach operation is based at Seasalter where over recent times production has shifted towards the half grown seed market within the Oyster farming industry.