Design & application of novel methods of analysis for monitoring marine biotoxins
Marine biotoxins are natural toxins produced by algae that may accumulate in filter feeding bivalve molluscs and seafood and are classified according to their symptomatic characteristics displayed in humans and mammals following consumption. Due to the severity in potency key marine biotoxins are regulated through CODEX Alimentaris standards and EU regulations whereby action limits have been established for acute exposure. Nonetheless the common symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea which in cases of mild intoxication can be misdiagnosed as bacterial or viral food poisoning. To date there are limited diagnostic tools available for application by all stakeholders in the seafood supply chain to determine marine biotoxin contamination for point of site testing. In a similar way there are limited diagnostic tools available for analysts and clinicians to monitor exposure and no specific antidotes available. Current monitoring programs are demanding and can be expensive to maintain and highly labour intensive. Viable alternative or supplementary methods for the detection of marine biotoxins are needed that can be applied at point of site to prevent contamination entering the food supply chain and to empower stakeholders in particular food business operators to make decisions on harvesting and supply. The overall aim of this research was to design and examine the feasibility for the monitoring of marine biotoxins in seafood as a robust point of site testing pool.
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