​Critical review of the current evidence for the use indicator shellfish species for purposes of biotoxin and chemical monitoring in shellfish production areas

Summary

Seafood Safety Assessment

McLeod, C.

The aim of this project was to critically review and assess the current and most up-to-date available evidence base on feasibility of the use of a shellfish indicator species for biotoxin and chemical monitoring in Scotland. The aim was to inform any future monitoring regimes with a view to ensuring that public health is not compromised from the consumption of any shellfish species harvested from classified harvesting areas by the use of indicator species.

This desk-based study collated, critically reviewed and evaluated available UK and international literature and evidence, both published and unpublished, on the use of indicator species for biotoxins and chemical monitoring in live bivalve molluscs.

The conclusion of this project is that, in general, mussels are good candidates for use as indicator species for biotoxin monitoring (with some exceptions as listed above).However, there is currently not enough available evidence to support use of indicator species for chemical contaminants monitoring purposes.

Project Code - FS616037