Inshore Programme (FSA02)

The shellfish species are mainly mussels but pacific oysters, queen scallops, cockles, razors and king scallops are also tested under the inshore programme.  They are collected weekly from Representative Monitoring Points (RMPs) by Sampling Officers employed by Local Food Authorities and sent to Integrin using insulated boxes to ensure they are kept chilled, alive and in good condition on arrival.   Over 60 FSA02 samples are received at Integrin each week. 

Each Representative Monitoring Point represents a number of sites in a geographical area known as a pod.  The other sites in the pod are called Associated Harvesting Areas (AHAs).  The AHAs depend on the test results of the RMP as to whether or not they are permitted to harvest.  When ASP is detected at 20ug per gram of shellfish flesh or over, DSP is present, or PSP is detected at 80ug per 100g of flesh or more, an RMP and its AHAs will be served a Temporary Closure Notice by the Local Food Authority.  This is until there are two consecutive results below the action level for the toxin that closed the site from samples taken 7 days apart at the RMP.    

Currently, there are around 80 numbered pods in Scotland’s inshore programme.   Before sites are put into a pod they have to be classified by the Food Standards Agency.   Each year, new sites become classified and others are declassified so pods and RMPs are always subject to change.  For further information on the pod system, please contact Lisa Harper of the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) on telephone 01224 288378.  

Wild Pectinidae Programme (FSA06) 

Local Food Authorities carry out checks at all shellfish processors and dispatch centres in their areas and risk assess them on an individual basis.  Hence, wild pectinidae samples are tested at different frequency levels depending on their assessment.  Once received at Integrin, samples are treated in the same way as FSA02 samples.   If a wild pectinidae sample is tested and exceeds the statutory limits of toxin then the batch represented by the sample will be subject to incident management procedures.   

For the results of the tests undertaken by Integrin and CEFAS, go to Food Standard Agency's website www.food.gov.uk.  The test results for the preceding week are available on the website on Tuesday afternoons.  In addition, test results from the previous 3 weeks can be viewed. 

For further enquiries, please contact Sue Greenwood at Integrin, FSA Project Administrator, on 01631 720132.