Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: January 7, 2002
Contact: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. 401-222-1017

Health Department Suspends Shellfish Business License in Warwick

MAR Seafood Mislabels Origin of Clams from Florida

Providence-- Today the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) announced the 2-week suspension of the Shellfish Business license for Mar Seafood Inc., located at 98 Oakland Beach Rd., Warwick, RI. The suspension takes effect from January 7, 2002-January 20, 2002. This followed an investigation by HEALTH, a full administrative hearing and an appeal to the RI Superior Court.

MAR Seafood Inc. violated RI General Laws, Chapter 21-14 and 21-31 concerning shellfish handling and food protection. Specifically, MAR Seafood Inc. mislabeled clams that they sold as Rhode Island clams. In fact the clams were harvested in Florida. The mislabeling involved 54,000 clams—the majority of which were labeled as RI product and distributed in New England and New York. Florida and Gulf Coast shellfish often contain Vibrio vulnificus, an organism that can cause illness and/or death upon consumption by high risk individuals. To prevent disease, HEALTH recommends that consumers always thoroughly cook shellfish and other foods of animal origin

In its final decision, HEALTH’s administrative hearing officer stated "while the protection of consumers against the perpetration of a fraud upon them is an area of concern to the Director of Health, it is not the primary concern. The mission of the Department of Health is to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare. MAR jeopardized the public's health by selling clams that were misidentified as to their origin."