E. coli testing

Bivalve filter-feeding molluscan shellfish can accumulate bacteria and viruses when grown in sewage-contaminated waters. Such shellfish may present a health risk when consumed raw or only lightly cooked. Extensive European food hygiene regulations exist to reduce these risks.

The Marine Institute is the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for the following areas of shellfish microbiological safety

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) in shellfish
• Foodborne viruses in shellfish
• Microbiological monitoring and classification of bivalve shellfish production areas

As the NRL in these disciplines the Marine Institute works closely with the competent authority and national testing laboratories to support the technical application of regulatory controls. The competent authorities in Ireland are the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the .

The principal duties for the NRLs are to:

• Collaborate with the appropriate European Union reference laboratories (EURLs)
• Coordinate activities of designated official control laboratories in Ireland
• Disseminate information from the EURLs to the competent authorities and official control laboratories
• Provide scientific and technical assistance to competent authorities
• Actively assist competent authorities in the diagnosis and investigation of outbreaks of foodborne illness

Further activities undertaken by Marine Institute:

• Norovirus analysis
• Research

For further information please contact Bill Doré Bill.Dore@marine.ie