oysters

Photo of seized oysters 

OMAK — In a recent operation, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) intercepted the illegal sale of uncertified oysters in Omak, highlighting both health risks and legal ramifications associated with the unauthorized sale of shellfish.

The incident came to light when WDFW Officer Steffler discovered an online advertisement offering oysters from Willapa Bay for $80 a bag. The ad indicated that the seller would be in the Omak area. Officer Fosse, upon being informed, alerted Officer Trautman the following morning about the seller's potential activity in a local grocery store parking lot.

By the time Officer Trautman arrived, the seller had moved. However, a subsequent advertisement revealed a new location, and Officer Trautman was able to locate the seller as they were packing up from their second spot. The sellers were observed rapidly shifting locations to evade detection.

Upon interviewing the sellers, it was evident that they lacked the necessary documentation for selling oysters. The oysters, packed in bags of 60, lacked certification tags, which are mandatory to ensure the shellfish are safe for consumption. Initially, the sellers claimed they had personally gathered the oysters with a friend in Seattle. However, further investigation by Officer Day and Officer Fosse revealed that the oysters had been purchased from a coastal farm and transported to Omak for resale.

The sellers admitted to selling eight bags of untagged oysters and had seven remaining bags, which were seized for destruction. Charges are being filed for multiple violations under Title 69, which governs food safety and labeling regulations.

This unauthorized sale not only undermines legitimate businesses but also poses significant health risks to consumers. Although the oysters in this particular case were harvested from a sanitary environment, uncertified shellfish can often come from polluted waters or be mishandled, leading to serious illnesses or even death.

For further information on shellfish safety and regulations, residents are encouraged to visit the WDFW website or contact local authorities.