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Programme overview
Testing shellfish and seawater for biotoxin risk
Biotoxin toxicity can occur at any time of year. Monitoring evidence helps inform closures, advice and the publication of harmful algal bloom information.
How monitoring works
Monitoring links field sampling, laboratory analysis, regulatory advice and public information.
Sample
Shellfish and seawater samples are collected from relevant production and monitoring locations.
Test
Samples are analysed for regulated marine toxin groups and phytoplankton indicators.
Verify
Findings are checked against EU food-safety requirements and legal limits.
Publish and advise
Results support advice to competent authorities, industry and public information systems such as HABs.
Monitoring areas
Regulated toxin groups
Monitoring focuses on the main marine toxin groups that can affect shellfish safety and market access.
Amnesic shellfish toxins
Includes domoic acid monitoring for amnesic shellfish poisoning risk.
Paralytic shellfish toxins
Includes toxin groups associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning risk.
Lipophilic marine toxins
Includes diarrhetic shellfish toxins, azaspiracids and yessotoxins.
National Reference Laboratory
The Marine Institute is the National Reference Laboratory for marine biotoxins in Ireland. It participates in the EU National Reference Laboratory network led by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins in Vigo, Spain.
The work provides a scientific framework for sampling, analytical monitoring and advice on shellfish toxicity and harmful algal blooms.
| Toxin group | Limit |
|---|---|
| Paralytic shellfish toxins | 800 micrograms/kg PSP |
| Amnesic shellfish toxins | 20 mg/kg domoic acid |
| Diarrhetic shellfish toxins | 160 micrograms okadaic acid equivalent/kg |
| Yessotoxins | 3.75 mg yessotoxin equivalent/kg |
| Azaspiracids | 160 micrograms azaspiracid equivalent/kg |
Results and advice
The Marine Institute provides scientific advice to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and industry on shellfish toxicity and harmful algal blooms. Monitoring results are published through the HABs service.
Contact the biotoxin team
For programme queries, contact the Marine Institute biotoxin team.