A shellfish producer in the UK has been granted permission to utilize a new natural gas in its purification system, making it the first of its kind in the country.

Established in 1960 as a cooperative among fishermen, Maldon Oysters has since expanded and currently manages 3,500 acres of the River Blackwater.

After four years of extensive research and development, the company has emerged as a major producer of Pacific oysters in the UK. They have also made significant strides in reducing the risk of Norovirus in their shellfish by implementing the use of Ozone, a pale blue gas.

Comprised of three oxygen molecules, Ozone is a naturally occurring gas. The company has improved the shelf life and flavor of their shellfish while also significantly minimizing the risk of virus transmission by introducing small quantities of Ozone into their purification tank system.

According to a spokesperson for the company, Norovirus is a major concern in the food industry, and shellfish is frequently held responsible for transmitting the virus. However, the company’s innovative approach can significantly reduce viral contamination in shellfish compared to conventional UV purification-based systems.

The company is confident that their new system produces the cleanest, safest, and healthiest shellfish in the UK.

The company obtained Organic status from the Organic Food Federation in July 2003, becoming the first shellfish farm in the UK to do so.

In addition to supplying oysters to renowned restaurants across the country and selling them at the world-famous Billingsgate Fish Market in London, the company also exports their products to various locations, including Istanbul, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai.