New Iberia man cited for alleged oyster refrigeration violations

Refrigerated trucks 24 degrees too warm, LDWF says

Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited a 58-year-old New Iberia man for alleged oyster refrigeration violations on Jan. 15 in Lafourche Parish.

According to a press release, Scott J. Parker was cited for violating the oyster sanity code due to lack of refrigeration in connection with a check along Old Highway 1 just south of Leeville.

Agents observed two refrigerated trucks with oysters parked next to Bayou Lafourche without their refrigerators on, the release states.

Parker had purchased 60 sacks of oysters with white tags, meaning they were labeled for raw consumption. When agents checked the trucks’ temperatures, they both registered 69 degrees — but oysters with white tags are to be stored and delivered at 45 degrees or lower, the release states.

The 60 sacks of oysters were seized and returned to the water, and agents issued a seizure order for the tractor and trailer in conjunction with the violation, according to the release.

Violating the refrigeration code for oysters brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, the release states.