Dear Seafood Listers
Is anyone aware of any evidence regarding the presence of a marine biotixin hazard in queen conch (Stromus gigas) which forms an important part of the international trade in fishery products in some Caribbean countries?
The Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards and Controls Guide: Third Edition June 2001 does not recongise the marine biotoxin hazard in conch. However EC Regulations require that this potential hazard in tunicates, echinoderms, and marine gastropods should be addressed in an area monitoring and control system as defined for bivalve molluscs in accordance with Section VII of the Annex to Regulation 853/2004.
Furthermore the FVO of DG SANCO has stated:
“This gastropod (Stromus gigas) feeds only on sea-grass (where some benthic toxic producing dinoflagellates - such as ciguatera producing ones - or other microrganisms, can be found)” Final Report of a Mission Carried Out In Jamaica From 5 to 11 July 2006 in Order to Assess the Public Health Controls and the Conditions of Production of Fishery and Aquaculture Products and Marine Gastropods, European Commission, Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General Directorate F - Food And Veterinary Office, DG(SANCO)/8237/2006 - MR Final
As far as I am aware, Jamaica is the only exporter to the EC of this species, and established a monitoring system from August 2006 following the advice of the European Commmission. The only positive results for marine biotoxins in conch detected in Jamaica were established as likely false positives.
Is anyone aware whether there have been any confirmed instances of detection of marine biotoxins in this herbivorous species? Or is this just another case of lack of coherence in EU standards?
Best wishes
Ian Goulding
Megapesca Lda
Rua Gago Coutinho
Valado Sta.Quiteria
2460 207 Alfeizerao
PORTUGAL
Tel.+ 351 262 990 372
Fax.+ 351 262 990 496
www.megapesca.com
megapesca@mail.telepac.pt
skype: bengoulding
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