OBJECTIVE

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) in 7 species of economical shellfishes were analyzed for 1 year, which collected from Huangsha seafood market of Guangzhou from Apr, 2004 to Mar, 2005.

METHODS

The levels of PSP and DSP in bivalves were determined with mouse bioassay of AOAC. The risk assessment of PSP and DSP in bivalves was conducted according to FAO and Chinese Administration Organization of Fish Culture and Seaport.

RESULTS

PSP was detected in 2 species of the shellfishes assayed and DSP was found out in 6 species. The content of PSP was lower than 4MU/g tissue, whereas the level of PSP in glands was higher than in muscles. DSP toxin was detected in 36 samples of 6 species, what is more, DSP level in 10 samples exceeded the safety threshold. The levels in PSP and DSP of bivalves were all higher in spring and winter with some characteristic of season.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that PSP in economical shellfish in Guangzhou market was lower, and shellfish was safe to eat in term of the PSP level if glands were discarded, but DSP contamination in bivalves was severe. It is essential to detect and assess the risk of DSP and PSP in bivalves from seafood market in the future.