Microbiological data from studies to optimise depuration of viruses from Pacific oysters (Crassotrea gigas)

Viral contamination of bivalve molluscan shellfish is a recognised cause of foodborne gastroenteritis. Unlike bacterial contaminants, viruses such as norovirus are not easily removed once shellfish become contaminated. Therefore the normal practice of depurating following harvest may not effectively reduce the risk of become ill following consumption of shellfish.

As part of the SeafoodTomorrow consortium project (Horizon 2020), studies were undertaken to determine the optimal conditions under which Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are depurated (purified) following harvest.

This dataset includes levels of norovirus, F specific coliphage genogroup II and E. coli found in oysters following several experiments in which depuration conditions were varied.