CANBERRA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- A new laboratory to test seafood for toxins will be established in South Australia (SA) in response to a toxic algal bloom off the state's coast, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday.
Albanese on Wednesday traveled to SA to inspect the outbreak of the toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi, which has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of marine creatures across 500 km of the state's coastline since it was first detected in March.
The new national laboratory to test shellfish for brevetoxins will be established at an existing toxicology lab in the state capital of Adelaide.
Brevetoxins, a group of neurotoxins produced by algae, have been detected in Australian shellfish for the first time in areas affected by the bloom, forcing the temporary closure of some harvesting areas.
According to government agency Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), ingesting shellfish contaminated with brevetoxins can cause Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning, the symptoms of which include partial limb paralysis, nausea and overall loss of coordination.
Albanese said on Wednesday that samples are currently sent to New Zealand to be tested for brevetoxins and the new lab would fast-track the process. ■
