Combating food poisoning from seafood. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R5793: The development of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of aquatic vibrios.
A rapid and highly sensitive DNA test is now available to screen seafood for bacteria. Infected seafood, particularly shellfish, can cause food poisoning. Outbreaks damage consumer confidence and producers suffer, especially the poorest. Previously, screening for bacteria was slow, taking up to 7 days, and was not always accurate. These diagnostic techniques have been extensively tested on coastal and estuarine seafood in India, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia and Japan. They've been used not only for detecting bacteria in seafood but also for food safety tests and for monitoring bacteria in coastal areas popular for water sports. Hundreds of laboratories have adopted these methods and they are widely accepted by international food safety authorities. They will probably become routine for ensuring that fish exports meet EU, US and Japanese import standards.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (11 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
PHF10, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 105.