Norovirus Testing in Shellfish: Protecting Public Health and Your Business
Norovirus is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness globally and a major concern in the shellfish industry. As filter-feeding organisms, oysters, mussels, and clams can accumulate norovirus particles from contaminated waters. Because the virus is highly infectious and resistant to common sanitation processes, a single contaminated harvest can trigger widespread illness, costly recalls, and long-term damage to brand reputation.
CREM Co Labs helps shellfish producers, processors, and regulatory partners detect norovirus contamination early—before it reaches the marketplace. Our state-of-the-art molecular diagnostics platform provides rapid and reliable results that meet the highest international standards.
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Why Choose CREM Co Labs for Norovirus Testing?
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory:
We uphold the highest analytical and quality standards, ensuring every norovirus test meets regulatory and scientific requirements for accuracy and reproducibility.
Validated Molecular Detection Methods:
Our testing is performed using ISO 15216-2 and CFIA’s OPFLP-007, recognized internationally by Health Canada, CFIA, and FDA for norovirus detection and quantification in shellfish and water.
Comprehensive Monitoring Programs:
CREM Co Labs can establish routine surveillance and pre-harvest monitoring plans for shellfish farms, processors, and exporters—helping you prevent CFIA/FDA recalls and maintain export eligibility.
Expert Technical Support:
Our experienced molecular biologists and food safety experts provide interpretation of results, risk assessment guidance, and customized sampling strategies to protect your operations year-round.
Our Testing Capabilities
CREM Co Labs offers comprehensive Norovirus detection and quantification services in both shellfish tissue and harvest water samples, using the following validated methods:
ISO 15216-2: Microbiology of the food chain – Horizontal method for determination of hepatitis A virus and norovirus using real-time RT-PCR
OPFLP-007 (CFIA Official Method): Official Protocol for Laboratory procedures for Norovirus Detection in Shellfish
Our testing platform enables:
Quantitative results (viral genome copies per gram of tissue or per mL of water)
Dual genogroup detection (Norovirus GI and GII)
High sensitivity — capable of detecting as few as 10–100 viral copies
Rapid turnaround — results typically within 48 hours
Why It Matters?
Norovirus outbreaks in shellfish have resulted in multiple recalls across Canada and the U.S., costing the industry millions of dollars each year. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to strengthen monitoring requirements to prevent contamination events.
By partnering with CREM Co Labs, shellfish producers can:
Implement routine monitoring programs to safeguard harvest areas
Prevent costly recalls and protect market access (including export eligibility)
Demonstrate compliance with CFIA, FDA, and international food safety standards
Build consumer trust through verified safety data
Partner with CREM Co Labs
Proactive monitoring is the best defense against norovirus-related recalls. CREM Co Labs provides accurate, accredited, and timely results to help you maintain compliance and consumer safety.
Contact us today to discuss a testing or monitoring plan that fits your operation:
Email: info@cremco.ca
Phone: 905-510-0111
Website: www.cremco.ca
WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
We've worked with CREMCO on many projects including regulatory submissions, product development & verification, etc. The team, especially Dr. Zargar and Dr. Sattar, provide input that is practical and insightful. Communication is always transparent, and delays are generally due to forces outside the lab. When delays occurred CREMCO worked with us to mitigate the impact on the overall timeline.
In response to the need for improved indoor air quality amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our ZenGUARD™ antimicrobial coated HVAC filter was awarded a Candian Government contract which aimed to demonstrate a substantial reduction in airborne pathogens without compromising airflow rates. Partnering with CREMCO, experts in bioaerosol testing, was instrumental in developing and executing this novel testing protocol. We highly recommend working with CREMCO Laboratories.
I'm pleased to offer this testimonial for CREMCO Lab. Their expertise in antimicrobial testing, microbicide efficacy assessment, and air decontamination technology evaluation is exceptional. Their precision & scientific rigor have enhanced our product understanding, shaping our research through their meticulous real-world simulations and testing programs.