Publication Abstract

Refinement and in-house validation of the AOAC 2005.06 HPLC method: the quantitative analysis of Mussel samples for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins.

Refinement and in-house validation of the AOAC 2005.06 HPLC method: the quantitative analysis of Mussel samples for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins.

A.D. Turner*, D.Norton,* R. Hatfield*, M.Algoet*, D.N. Lees*

Shellfish collected as part of the UK biotoxin statutory monitoring programme (SMP) are currently analysed for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins using a qualitative screening HPLC method. Samples found to be positive are subsequently analysed by the AOAC mouse bioassay (MBA). In order to further reduce reliance on such animal testing, the AOAC 2005.06 HPLC method drafted in the European legislation as an alternative to the bioassay has been validated in our laboratory for the analysis of Mussels.

Cefas and the Food Standards Agency, the UK Competent Authority, have refined and evaluated the performance of the AOAC 2005.06 method, following the guidelines described by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Extensive testing was carried out on Mussel tissues to assess the selectivity, linearity, limits of detection and quantitation, accuracy, recovery, precision, repeatability, ruggedness, fitness for purpose and robustness of the method. Additionally, the scope of the method was extended to include toxins dcGTX2,3 and dcNEO not included in the AOAC 2005.06 method. Following laboratory validation, the method was trialled in comparison with the official control MBA, with the analysis of Mussel samples obtained from the UK biotoxin monitoring programme.

Methodology and results will be presented highlighting the method performance characteristics and overall fitness for purpose of the method. Implementation of this method in the UK biotoxin SMP has eliminated the need for animal usage in PSP testing of Mussels. Further validation is continuing for other shellfish species grown in UK waters, with the aim of fully replacing the MBA for PSP monitoring in the UK.

This work was funded by the Food Standards Agency of the United Kingdom.

Reference

A.D. Turner*, D.Norton,* R. Hatfield*, M.Algoet*, D.N. Lees* (2008) Refinement and in-house validation of the AOAC 2005.06 HPLC method: the quantitative analysis of Mussel samples for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins. 122nd AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition. September 2008. Dallas, USA. http://www.aoac.org/meetings1/122nd_annual_mtg/main.htm

A.D. Turner*, D.Norton,* R. Hatfield*, M.Algoet*, D.N. Lees*

122nd AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition. September 2008. Dallas, USA. http://www.aoac.org/meetings1/122nd_annual_mtg/main.htm