An update on shellfish food safety risks from Tetrodotoxins in the UK
Andy Turner
CEFAS
As Principal Chemist in the Cefas Weymouth Food Safety Group, Andrew is responsible for the biotoxin testing in shellfish performed on behalf of the UK competent authorities. He oversees the development and implementation of new methods for food safety surveillance and leads the development of research activities of the chemistry team. He has over 18 years postgraduate experience delivering analytical chemistry in a commercial environment. Current research interests include the development of new instrumental methods for marine biotoxins, assessment of rapid testing methods and the impact of cyanobacteria on food safety. They also include the development and production of stable reference materials, risks from new and emerging toxins & chemical contaminants within UK waters.
Abstract
This presentation will describe the risk of tetrodotoxin occurrence in UK shellfish, presenting results from a number of different studies conducted at Cefas in recent years. Firstly those from the initial screen of bivalves... [ view full abstract ]
This presentation will describe the risk of tetrodotoxin occurrence in UK shellfish, presenting results from a number of different studies conducted at Cefas in recent years.
Firstly those from the initial screen of bivalves during 2013-2014 from two marine sites in Southern England, resulting in the first detection of TTX in bivalves from anywhere in Europe. This was conducted using two separate LC-MS/MS detection methods in samples of mussels and Pacific oysters, showing TTXs up to a total concentration of 137 µg/kg. The methods were also used to confirm the presence of TTX in cultures of Vibrio species isolated from molluscs from the same region, providing additional evidence for bacterial production of these toxins.
Secondly, a large number of mollusc samples received through the Official Control Monitoring Programmes of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been screened using LC-MS/MS, with sample results now available over a four year period between 2013 and 2016 inclusive. Results have shown the highest levels of TTX in Southern England, with no significant occurrence of the toxins further north, in either Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Thirdly, the work conducted to refine and validation the LC-MS/MS method for TTX quantitation will be discussed, focussing both on method performance characteristics and issues which have been found to reduce the quality of the testing method.
Finally, the results from these studies will be presented together with an assessment of factors which may be increasing the risk of TTX uptake in certain specific areas of the country.
Session
KN-7 » Keynote Andy Turner, CEFAS, UK (09:15 - Thursday, 18th May, Bailey Allen 1)
