1. (a) A crab sample set for Dungeness crab is six Dungeness crab. A crab sample set for rock crab is six rock crab.
2. (b) Domoic acid testing must be conducted by a laboratory certified for domoic acid testing that is approved by the Department.

3. (c) Domoic acid action levels for Dungeness crab and rock crab are the following:

   1. (1) Greater than 30 parts per million in viscera is adulterated and fails.
   2. (2) Equal to or greater than 20 parts per million in meat is adulterated and fails.
4. (d) Each crab must be tested individually for domoic acid.

5. (e) Crab viscera samples will be tested first.

   1. (1) All six viscera samples in a crab sample set must pass the viscera action level for the sample site to pass.

   2. (2) If any viscera sample fails the viscera action level, meat samples will also be tested.

      1. (A) If the meat sample fails the meat action level, the Department will consult with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to determine if the crab is likely to pose a human health risk from high levels of domoic acid.
      2. (B) If the meat sample passes the meat action level, the Department will consult with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to determine if the crab is likely to pose a human health risk from high levels of domoic acid.
6. (f) If a biotoxin management area is closed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, crab may not be donated, given away, sold in whole or in-part, or eviscerated starting from 12:01 a.m. on the harvest date of the affected crab sample set.
7. (g) If a biotoxin management area is under a Department Evisceration Order, crab must be eviscerated starting from 12:01 a.m. on the harvest date of the affected crab sample set.
8. (h) To rescind a Department Evisceration Order, all crab from two consecutive crab sample sets, at least seven days apart, taken from the same failed sample site, must pass the viscera action level.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 111224.6, 110065 and 131200, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 110460, 110466 and 110474, Health and Safety Code.

History

1. New section filed 2-20-2025; operative 1-9-25 pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 111224.6(b). Submitted to OAL for filing and printing only pursuant to Government Code section 11343.8 (Register 2025, No. 8).