CAPS2: at the IZSAM for the detection of marine biotoxins

From the 31st to the 4th April 2014, Tanja Bogdanović, Josipa Ćakarun, Kristina Kvrgić and Sandra Petričević (Croatian Veterinary Institute, Croatia),Olivera Gogic and Jelena Resetar (LLC Centre for Ecotoxicological Research, Montenegro), were in Teramo for a training course on the determination of marine biotoxins at the Laboratory of Bromatology of the IZSAM. The training of the six experts fits into the activity programme of the project "Strengthening of Centres of Aquaculture production and Safety surveillance in Adriatic Cross-border Countries", co-financed by the European Union through the IPA Adriatic Cross Border Cooperation 2007-2013 Framework Programme.

The activities of the project aim to improve diagnostic competences of the laboratories of the Adriatic Area, both in terms of equipment and knowledge, within the hygienic-sanitary aspects of fish products and with particular reference to shellfish culture.

The period of training has focused on the chemical testing method, liquid chromatography (LC) mass spectrometry (MS), as an alternative to biological method (mouse bioassay), paying particular attention to the recognized testing methods for detecting marine biotoxins in live bivalve molluscs, to be applied until 31st December 2014 in compliance with the Commission Regulation (EU) No 15/2011.

The same participants will be back at the IZSAM from the 9th to the 13th June 2014 for the second week of training on biotoxins, followed by a period of remote assistance in their own laboratories for the correct implementation of the national surveillance plan.