Shellfish Microbiology Proficiency Testing Programme
The global shellfish industry has grown dramatically in recent years and the shipping of shellfish products to overseas and domestic markets is now a major business.
The increasing consumption of seafood including fish, shellfish and molluscs, has also seen a growing demand from consumers for proof that the seafood they are eating is both healthy and safe. They want to know that when they buy shellfish, regardless of where it is from, that robust quality assurance processes are in place and scientists, regulators and industry have delivered a safe product.
Laboratories play an important role helping to assure the quality of shellfish growing areas and shellfish flesh.
Shellfish Microbiology Schedule
New Zealand Laboratories: Samples are despatched in March and September.
Australian Laboratories: Samples are despatched in April and October. Participants are given up to two weeks to examine the samples and return results.
For on-line data entry please go to Global Proficiency's Virtual Proficiency.
Shellfish Microbiology Sample Format
Samples are offered as a two-sample set, consisting of a matrix of real shellfish tissue, currently in the form of gamma-irradiated oysters, each with an accompanying freeze-dried vial containing selected groups of microorganisms. The microorganisms present have been stabilised so that quantitative testing can be undertaken.
Note: The programme is designed for laboratories undertaking testing using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique and requires results to be reported back as “MPN/100g”. Plating methods are not suitable for use in this programme.
Shellfish Microbiology Test Details
- Escherichia coli (MPN/100mL)
Tests under investigation for offer in the future include:
- Faecal coliforms
- Vibrio species
Further tests may be made available upon request, depending on the number of interested participants.
Additional samples are available as reference materials, for follow-up or for clearing alerts incurred in the round.
