英国将采用新方法检测贝类毒素

In recent years, research work commissioned by the Agency has led tothe introduction of a chemical testing method using high performanceliquid chromatography (HPLC) into the official monitoring programme forthe detection of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins in mussels,cockles, razors and hard clams.

Work has continued, enabling the recent extension of the new methodin Britain, on 30 August, for other commercially important species ofshellfish, including whole king and queen scallops, oysters and fouradditional clam species. Efforts are being made in Northern Ireland toadopt the method for these other species.

The UK is the first member state in the European Union to use this method as part of its statutory monitoring programme.

Liz, Redmond, Head of Hygiene and Microbiology at the Agency, said:‘The Agency places great importance on reducing the use of mice inlaboratory testing. It has taken many years of research to ensure thenew chemical test is as effective at protecting public health as itspredecessor. This effort has been worthwhile and we are very pleasedthe new method can now be extended to such a large proportion of theshellfish market.’