15 Oct 2010 13:30 - 15 Oct 2010 15:00
Unit:
Wageningen University
Location:
Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation:
Wageningen University
Promotor:
prof. dr J de Boer , prof. dr ir IMCM Rietjens
Co Promotor:
Dr P.P.J. Mulder
Lipophilic marine toxins are natural toxins produced by certain algae and can accumulate in shellfish such as mussels and oysters. Consumption of contaminated shellfish can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. To prevent toxic shellfish entering the European market, European Union (EU) legislation prescribes the use of an animal (mouse or rat) test as the official method to determine these toxins. However, this animal test is unreliable and very animal unfriendly. These aspects have led in 2005 to the start of an EU funded project (‘BIOTOX’) with the aim to replace the animal test with a reliable alternative method.
RIKILT – Institute of Food Safety has been a partner in this project, contributing its analytical expertise. The method that has been described in this thesis is capable to distinguish between the various toxins and to detect them at very low concentrations. An international validation study with 14 participating laboratories is currently in progress. When successful, the method will be proposed as an official method for EU legislation.
Title thesis: "The Analysis of Lipophilic Marine Toxins"