Proficiency testing of growers using the Neogen rapid Paralytic Shellfish Toxin test kits

Over recent years Tasmanian shellfish growers have been contending with toxic algal blooms that result in their shellfish rapidly accumulating paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) to levels above the regulatory limits. As a result, contaminated shellfish have been unknowingly placed on the market, necessitating over 23 recalls since 2012. A rapid, cost effective monitoring tool that can be used on-farm as a qualitative screening tool for identifying shellfish containing concerning levels of toxin was identified as the best method of addressing this risk.