The distribution of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in British coastal waters: report of a collaborative study 1975--6.

A collaborative survey has shown that V. parahaemolyticus is widely distributed in British coastal waters, sediments and shellfish, especially in southern and western areas. The relatively small numbers in the environment do not present significant health hazards from marine products, provided that processing, storage and distribution are adequate. The presence of this organism in small numbers in British coastal waters or in shellfish should not in itself be regarded as cause for concern.