In October 2011 Cefas will launch an Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) testing service through its commercial arm, Cefas Technology Limited (CTL).
It will add further testing services - for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Lipophilic Toxins (LT), including those responsible for Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) - in the coming year.
Bivalve molluscs, such as mussels, oysters and scallops, are "filter feeders". Biotoxins are occasionally produced in naturally occurring algal blooms and they can accumulate in the flesh of bivalve molluscs and some other marine species.
Eating shellfish contaminated with marine biotoxins may pose risks: to individuals' health as well as for the seafood industry. Seafood businesses can limit this risk by undertaking testing of their products for algal biotoxins.
Jason Weeks, Cefas' Business Development Manager for this sector, said: "We have a highly regarded international pedigree here at Cefas, and are well known for the quality and standards we deliver to customers."
"We're very excited about our new commercial offerings, which are coming on stream very soon. There will be two service levels:
Standard - reporting outcomes within five working days and Premium - for rapid turnaround within one to three days, dependent on the analysis requested."
"Discounts will also be available for large orders and for repeat customers."
As with existing Cefas Shellfish Testing services, all samples will be processed anonymously and reported directly to the customer.
Cefas Algal Biotoxins Testing Services Coming Soon
UK - Cefas, the foremost provider of algal biotoxin analysis for regulatory bodies in the UK - plans to extend its existing commercial shellfish testing services to cover algal biotoxins analysis for commercial customers and other interested groups.
