European scallop

Not all these polyether occur together in the same shellfish samples. OA was the major toxin in the mussel specimens from most of the European countries (42), while DTXl was the major toxin in mussel in Japan and in Sogndal, Norway (43). Scallops in Japan show the most complicated toxin profile. Furthermore, the relative ratio of the toxins varied regionally, seasonally, and annually. Pectenotoxins were detected, however, only in Japanese shellfish. Distribution of toxins is summarized in Table I. 

SCHEME 6.1 European harmonized protocol for lipophilic bioassays. Hepatopancreas is to be used in all molluscs. Whole flesh should be used for (a) large molluscs (scallops), where there are at least 12 individuals, and weight of hepatopancreas is to be proportional to 100 g whole flesh, (b) small molluscs, where removal of the digestive apparatus is difficult. 

Since 1996, mussels produced in Ireland have resulted in a number of AZP incidents. In 1997, cases of contamination recurred in the Arramnore Island region of Donegal, Northwest Ireland. Mussels harvested in Ireland have caused human intoxication in other European countries. Mussels originating from Arramnore Island caused AZP in an estimated 20-24 people in Arramnore, Ireland in September/October 1997. The symptoms included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. AZA-1, AZA-2, and AZA-3 were identified in samples. After the initial intoxication in Arramnore Island and Killary Harbor, the toxin persisted for a further 7-8 months. Mussels traced to Clewe Bay, Ireland, caused AZP in ten people in Ravenna, Italy in September 1998. About the same time, AZP occurred in France in 20-30 people, which was traced to scallops (Pecten maximus) from Bantry Bay, Ireland. The last recorded incident of AZP traced to Irish shellfish occurred in the United Kingdom in... 

As for European production of scallops, this has decreased during the last 5 years. France was the main European producer in 2005 (32,126 tons), followed by United Kingdom with 21,720 tons the same year. Spain is not among the leading scallop producers [1]. 

In order to minimize the economic impact owing to the slow ASP detoxification process for certain pectinidae, the European Union allows, through the Commission Decision 2002/226/EC[24], the harvesting of bivalve molluscs belonging to the scallops species Pecten maximus and Pec ten jacobeus with... 

The bivalve mollusks include clams, oysters, mussels and scallops. The common oyster (also called flat native or European oyster) and the blue or common mussel are the most often processed molluscan shellfish. 

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