Purification Process and Food Safety for Bivalve Mollusks at KOSTERA
At KOSTERA, we ensure the quality and safety of our bivalve mollusks through advanced purification and microbiological control. Learn how we remove bacteria, viruses, and contaminants to provide safe, fresh, and healthy products.
What is Removed During the Purification Process for Bivalve Mollusks?
Bivalve mollusks, such as clams, oysters, and scallops, feed by filtering seawater, phytoplankton, and organic particles from their environment. This feeding method also involves ingesting microorganisms, some of which are naturally present in marine ecosystems, while others are external contaminants that accumulate in the mollusk’s digestive tract. For this reason, the sanitary quality of bivalve mollusks is directly linked to the cleanliness and purity of the water in which they live.
When consuming raw or undercooked mollusks, individuals may be exposed to pathogens present in these organisms, increasing the risk of illnesses such as typhoid fever, salmonellosis, infectious diarrhea, cholera (Vibrio cholerae), viral hepatitis A, and other abdominal disorders.
Purification Process at KOSTERA
At KOSTERA, we perform a meticulous purification process for bivalve mollusks to ensure safe, high-quality products. This process consists of two fundamental phases:
- Manual External Cleaning
Conducted by our experts, this process removes microorganisms from the outer surface of the mollusk, ensuring its external cleanliness. - Natural Mechanical Filtration
During purification, the mollusks filter clean water provided by our facilities, expelling harmful microorganisms from their digestive systems. We use seawater treated with UV light to recreate ideal natural conditions, maximizing the mollusks’ filtration activity and ensuring they are fully purified and safe for consumption.
Microbiological Analysis at KOSTERA
Within our facilities, we have a team of professionals specializing in the microbiological analysis of bivalve mollusks. Numerous microorganisms can cause foodborne illnesses in humans if mollusks are not properly treated. Through rigorous controls and microbiological testing, our team ensures that bacteria levels in the mollusks remain below harmful thresholds, making them safe for consumption.
Our purification process includes specific microbiological tests to identify and reduce pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. These tests are essential for verifying the effectiveness of the process and ensuring that every bivalve mollusk leaving our facilities is free of risks for consumers.
What Contaminants Does KOSTERA Remove?
Thanks to our purification process, we eliminate the following harmful elements:
- Fecal matter
- Heavy metals
- Harmful bacteria and pathogens
At KOSTERA, we are committed to delivering fresh, purified, and safe bivalve mollusks sourced from the Peruvian sea. With our rigorous purification procedures and microbiological controls, we guarantee products of the highest quality, meeting international food safety standards.
