Combating Algal Toxins in Shellfish
Photo: Colourbox.
We need better knowledge about algal toxins in shellfish, to protect both public health and a seafood industry. Various algal species produce compounds that can accumulate in shellfish and be poisonous to humans. Dr Chris Miles from New Zealand is in Norway for a 2-year EU Fellowship to develop new knowledge about algal toxins in shellfish and their effects on humans.
Current methods for testing shellfish for algal toxins are both costly and time-consuming, partly because there are many different kinds of algal toxins and because suitable tests are not available for all the compounds.
Senior researcher Dr. Chris Miles from New Zealand has been awarded a Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship by the European Union’s 7th Framework Programme for research and development.
- We need to learn more on how toxic algae work, how toxic the different toxins are, and how their toxicity depends on their chemical structure, says Dr. Miles. Then we can design quick and reliable tests that protect consumers and help the shellfish industry to guarantee the quality of its products.
The shellfish industry in Norway is still small by international standards, but it is growing. Collecting shellfish for personal use is rather common in Norway, and it is important that public health warnings about toxic shellfish from the Food Safety Authority are accurate and reach the public as early as possible.
Dr. Miles hopes his two-year research period at Norway’s National Veterinary Institute will result in a better understanding of algal toxins and improved collaboration between Norway, New Zealand and Ireland. Part of his fellowship will be spent at a research institution in Galway, Ireland.
Dr. Chris Miles.
Algal toxin research is a relatively new discipline internationally. The National Veterinary Institute started its algal toxin programme in 2000. Chris was a part of that process and has since been coming to Norway regularly to collaborate with his Norwegian colleagues. Algal toxins is a complex field and to do research on toxic algae and its effect on other species you need a diverse team of specialists.
There is a lot we don’t know about algal toxins. In New Zealand, for example, it was not recognized as a problem until 1993. Prior to this there was no awareness of the problem, and human symptoms of shellfish-intoxication were probably interpreted wrongly as food poisoning.
- For some toxins we don’t even know which algae are responsible, so it is essential that we develop more knowledge in the field, says Dr. Miles.
- Both recalling products and keeping them in storage pending test results are costly. Therefore we want to design good quality chemical tests that are both quick and reliable.
With all this talk of toxins; is it dangerous to eat shellfish?
All food consumption has some degree of risk to it. However, shellfish bought in shops have been tested and are safe to eat, but one needs to be careful when eating shellfish collected recreationally. In the latter case, it is important to always check the Food Safety Authority’s “blue mussel warning” before eating the shellfish.
