Deliverables
Protocols and know-how - feeding regime and depuration of DSP in Mussels
During the project replicated experiments were conducted, which indicated that a type of feeding regime could be applied to mussels contaminated with DSP (algal toxin). These results were statistically significant.
The feeding regime accelerated the normal depuration process of the mussels which could enable them to go to market 2 - 3 weeks earlier. This could lead to an economic advantage at times of high demand, but where normal harversting would not be possible due to the failure of end product standard due tocontamination.
The extra value of the harvested mussels would have to be offset in part by the extra cost in providing the sytem to depurate the mussels plus the algal concentrate.
The best use of the result may be for grouped depuration centres to operate on-shore tank based sytems where the feed regime can be administered and the end product standard monitored - prior to distribution of a safe product.
Effective and widespread dissemination of this method should be undertaken, throughout the industry, for this result.
Protocols and know-how involved in removing ASP contamination in scallops.
The project discovered an effective method for safely removing ASP toxins from the adductor mussel and gonad of scallops during processing. The method is both simple and quick and should result in only minimal extra cost. The resulting product will meet safe end product standards even when heavily contaminated scallops are input to the process.
The use of this system will remove the risk of expensive product failing the safe standard - leading to destruction of the product and loss of income (plus the cost of the processing). In worst cases product recalls could result in failure of end product standard for ASP contamination. The new decontamination system should remove the need for such a recourse.
It is planned for widespread dissemination of the method, initially, through the trade association partners in the project, then through industry-wide bodies in Europe.
The method will go hand-in -hand with newly developing quality control tools for ASP and PSP contamination in the processing centre. These tools will be developed and demonstrated through a subsequent project with high-tech SMEs deriving benefit through manufacture and distribution of these devices. The whole shellfish industry (scallop sector) will gain an advantage in being able, once again, to market year round despite high levels of ASP toxin in the fishery areas.