Critical control points involving calcium hypochlorite and storage temperatures for microbial safety and physico-chemical attributes of oysters (Crassostrea gasar)

c Oysters (Crassostrea gasar) are globally important but highly susceptible to microbial hazards. Critical control points (CCPs) for oyster safety involving 10 ppm calcium hypochlorite Ca(OCl)2, storage temperatures and traditional postharvest practices were employed. Microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics were analyzed. Un-iced storage (27-35oC) resulted in significant total viable counts (TVCs) exceeding recommended limits (approx. 5 log10 cfu/g). Diverse microbial profiles and hazardous levels occurred in traditionally handled samples compared to Ca(OCl)2 treated samples.