Oyster ban looming over Gulf oystermen

UNDATED — Federal Drug Administration officials are planning to ban the sale of raw oysters harvested in the gulf of mexico unless properly treated.

Officials say the oysters could contain a potentially deadly bacteria.

The sales ban would take effect in 2011 for oysters harvested in the Gulf during warm months.

The Gulf region supplies about two-thirds of U.S. oysters, and some people in the $500 million industry argue that the anti-bacterial procedures are too costly.

The Shreveport Advertiser contributed to this article.