Algal biotoxins of marine origin: new indications from the European Union.

Marine biotoxins, more or less complex molecules with various origins that can accumulate in the tissues of fish products through the food chain, are reviewed. The EU, aware of the danger incurred in eating certain fish products, has issued a set of hygiene and health directives for the purpose of preventing disease and safeguarding consumer health. In particular, directive 91/492/EEC, of 15 July 1991, lays down the sanitary norms applicable to the production and commercialization of live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods and regulates the whole system involving these products from their origin to consumption. More recently, through Commission Decision dated 15 March 2002 (EC OJ 175/62 of 16.3.2002) the EU has set new standards for the implementation of directive 91/492/EEC with respect to the maximum levels and analysis methods for some marine biotoxins.