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This research project will develop analytical methods for DSP toxins and investigate the frequency of these toxins in UK shellfish.
<p>Recently discovered shellfish toxins, including azaspiracids, spirolides, pectenotoxins and yessotoxins, and free fatty acids will be isolated from shellfish to aid in the production of toxin standards and reference material and to develop instrumental analytical methods for their detection.
<p>Cultures of phytoplankton will be analysed for the presence of yessotoxin. The project will also investigate the frequency of the occurrence of these DSP toxins in UK shellfish during a two year survey.
Directive 91/492/EEC lays down the hygiene requirements for the production and marketing of live bivalve molluscs. They are implemented by the Food Safety (Fishery Products and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998.
<p>The Directive requires a monitoring programme of shellfish relaying and production areas to be established to check for the possible presence of toxin producing plankton in the water and biotoxins in the shellfish flesh.
<p>As the UK competent authority, the Food Standards Agency is responsible for monitoring for the presence of algae and marine biotoxins in shellfish. Current methods for the detection of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins requires the use of bioassays.
<p>The Agency wants to reduce reliance on bioassays as soon as validated chemical alternatives have been developed and accredited in the UK statutory monitoring laboratories.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.