The Algarve region is not only recognized for its crystal clear and high temperatures. Also cuisine is one of the strengths of the Algarve and there are many tourists who, either in winter and summer, sit on a terrace or restaurant to taste traditional delicacies. Since it is a region near the sea, the main highlight goes to fish and seafood. However, there is now a traditional snack that may be ending in sight.
An investigation conducted by scientists at the University of Algarve identified the presence of a potentially fatal neurotoxin in shells captured on the southern coast of Portugal. The warning was advanced this Tuesday, April 22, by, based on data collected by the University Science Center (CCMAR) of the University.
The investigation took place between 2021 and 2022 and was attended by Sandra Lage, researcher of the institution, and the then student Maria Pais, who developed the study under her master’s dissertation. The results were later published in the scientific journal “Food Control”.
Levels above the secure limit
According to the calculated data, about 76 percent of the analyzed shells had levels of tetrodotoxin higher than the limit considered safe for human consumption. The reference was established by the European Food Security Agency.
Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin, known for interfering with the communication between the brain and the body. Even in small quantities, it can cause severe lesions in the nervous system or other parts of the body. The lighter symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, but in high doses can cause cardiorespiratory arrest.
According to researcher Sandra Lage, the toxin was concentrated in the viscera of the shells, more specifically in the intestine, stomach and bladder, not in muscle, the usual part consumed. “If it is well manipulated, it does not risk,” he said, referring to the need for effective removal of these parts before consumption.
Inconclusive investigation as to the origin
The origin of contamination remains to clarify. The CCMar team sought to identify the toxin vector by analyzing sea stars, one of the favorite foods of the shells. Of the 25 samples collected, only one had traces of neurotoxin.
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Tetrodotoxin is most commonly associated with Balloon Fish, consumed in some Asian countries, where several deadly cases have already been registered. The emergence of this substance in mollusks on the Portuguese coast raises new questions for scientists.
European toxin classification
In a European context, this toxin is classified as “emerging” as its presence in the territory was only detected recently. Sandra Lage explained that “the substance is produced by bacteria”, and that until recently there were no records of her presence in national waters.
The possibility of other bodies contributing to contamination is not discarded. Researchers underline that shells are opportunistic carnivores, which paves the way for multiple potential sources of toxin exposure.
Algarve snack at risk
The alert is particularly relevant to the Algarve region, where the shells or horns, as they are also known, are often used in local gastronomy, namely in dishes such as shell or feijoada salad, especially popular during the summer months.
The scientific community underlines the need to raise awareness of the population to the risks associated with the consumption of poorly prepared mollusks. Inadequate viscera manipulation can compromise consumer food security.
New studies on the way
In order to understand the source of contamination, the start of a new study is expected to be in charge of the same investigation team. Scientists hope to be able to identify the vector responsible for the presence of toxin in the Algarve shells.
The situation is being accompanied by the authorities, who may take preventive or regulatory measures if a wide risk for public health is confirmed. The study may contribute to the definition of new food security policies in the European Union.
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