Aquaculture Europe 2016

September 20 - 23, 2016

Edinburgh, Scotland

First report of Tetrodotoxins in SHELLFISH in the Netherlands  

A. Blanco-Garcia*1), A.C. Smaal1), J. Wijsman, M. van der Heuvel-Greve1), A. Gerssens2) M. Poelman1)*
IMARES, Wageningen UR, Korringaweg 5, 4401 NT Yerseke, The Netherlands; E-Mail: Marnix.Poelman@wur.nl
RIKILT, Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen UR, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen,
The Netherlands; E-Mail: Arjen.gerssens@wur.nl
 

In 2015 and 2016 the first report of TTX in Dutch Shellfish have been reported, which is the third report in Europe. Based on the results and given that no regulatory limits for TTX in shellfish are available  in Europe, the Dutch authority (NVWA, Food Safety Authority) commissioned a Risk Assessment on TTX in shellfish.  and provided a provisional threshold of 20 µg TTX / kg shellfish tissue is introduced, and discussed on a national and European level.

In 2015 Tetrodotoxins (TTX) were found in 16 samples in the Eastern Scheldt in the Netherlands. In 2016 TTX was monitored for and introduced in the legal framework. TTX is found at two harvesting areas, and the rewatering plots for the Dutch shellfish industry. Levels in oysters were reported to a maximum of 253 ug / kg shellfish flesh. Levels in mussels reached a maximum 101 ug/kg shellfish flesh. An intensive monitoring program and research program to elucidate the source is carried out. This case demonstrates the need for awareness to emerging toxins.