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Seafood
Overseas market access for shellfish
Cath McLeod, John Sumner
September to December 2009
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Undertake robust technical review of the European Food Safety Authority risk assessment on saxitoxin and okadaic acid group toxins.
- Submit technical review and a rationale for maintaining current marine biotoxin regulatory limits to the EC.
- Convene a working group to determine future steps required to mitigate potential lowering of marine biotoxin regulatory limits.
Outcomes
- Maintenance of current amount of Australian shellfish eligible for export to the EU, non-Eu countries and domestic market.
- Improved relationship between the EC and Australian industry, science and regulatory representatives.
Australian seafood compositional profiles portal
David Padula, Natalie Homan
April 2009 to March 2010
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Establish a common scientifically robust information platform that provides Seafood CRC participants with timely access to information about the nutritional and contaminant compositional profiles of their traded products.
Outcomes
- Development of baseline compositional profiles for commercial species and products produced and traded by the CRC end users.
- Establishment of a secure web based portal for easily understood and accessible information about the compositional profiles of commercial seafood species and products.
Seafood trade and market access portal
David Padula
May 2009 to April 2012
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Establish a web portal service on trade rules of countries importing Australian seafood (existing and future potential markets). Information will include residue and contaminant standards, export certification requirements and tariff/customs information for international markets of importance to Australian Seafood CRC members.
- Inform the Seafood Access Forum (SAF) on current and emerging trade issues affecting international trade of Australian seafood products.
Outcomes
- Accessible, simple to use web portal providing electronic access to international trade information (tariffs, customs, export certification requirements, standards for residues and contaminants etc).
- Assist the Seafood Access Forum (SAF) and the members of the Seafood CRC maintain access to existing markets and gain access to new export markets.
- Inform the Seafood Access Forum (SAF) on technical market access issues for individual overseas markets for specific seafood products.
Vibrio testing of Australian oysters
Tom Madigan, Cath McLeod, Damian May
April to September 2009
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Define the growth rates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in live oysters.
- Establish a real-time PCR method and compare it to a conventional PCR method.
Outcomes
- Better understanding of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
- Method development.
Market access for abalone
Cath McLeod, Natalie Homan
April 2009 to April 2010
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Stipulate current requirements to meet the EC regulations for abalone and determine alternate risk management procedures that may be viewed as equivalent to the current EC regulations for abalone.
- Define risk of biotoxin poisoning from consuming canned abalone.
- Identify key information gaps that may influence the efficacy of risk assessment.
- Provide industry risk management information on the depuration of biotoxins from abalone.
- Provide a package of information with which to develop a risk based management plan that meets EC requirements.
Outcomes
- Better understanding of the potential risks related to biotoxins and abalone in Australia.
- Higher level of understanding of the EU market access requirements for abalone.
- Enhanced market access for the abalone industry to the European Union member states.
Human enteric viruses in Australian bivalve molluscan shellfish
Cath McLeod, Felicity Brake
January 2009 to December 2011
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Adopt European Union Community Reference laboratory methods for the detection of human enteric virus in shellfish growing waters and shellfish tissue.
- Survey shellfish growing/harvesting areas for human enteric viruses.
- Profile the risk of human entirc viruses in Australian shellfish.
Outcomes
- Capability established in Australia for testing viruses in shellfish.
- Determination of usefulness of F-RNA bacteriophage as an indicator for human viruses following sewage spills or other point source contamination events.
- Baseline prevalence of viruses determined in key shellfisheries in Australia.
- Identification of key data gaps and road map for future shellfish related virus work in Australia.
Victorian bivalve shellfish quality assurance
Andreas Kiermeier, Tom Madigan, John Sumner
December 2007 to April 2008
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Identify efficiencies gained as a result of modifying the existing monitoring and reporting protocols which underpin the Victorian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (VSQAP)
Outcomes
- A hazard identification and risk assessment of hazards faced by Victorian growers and harvesters of shellfish for human consumption
- A new model food safety plan for mussel farms based on the Codex HACCP system
Evaluation of potential packaging for blue mussels
Tom Madigan, Geoff Holds, Michelle Lorimer, John Carragher
December 2007 to July 2008
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Evaluate the shelf-life of blue mussels
- Evaluate the shelf-life of blue mussels using vacuum packaging
Outcomes
- Understanding of shelf life of potential products
- Understanding of packaging techniques and procedures
A critical evaluation of supply-chain temperature profiles to optimise food safety and quality of Australian oysters
Tom Madigan
October 2007 to November 2008
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Evaluate Australian oyster cool chain processes to underpin food safety and optimise commercial quality
- Identify future research, investment, education and training priorities to implement best practice time temperature regimes for the Australian oyster industry
- Provide input to the development of an Australian Oyster Refrigeration Index to assist industry and regulators to optimize time temperature regimes that assure food safety
Outcomes
- Optimise the oyster industry’s cool chain management, which in turn will lead to both increased food safety and quality. This will underpin industry’s market development work, particularly to the US and EU markets and potentially position industry to negotiate premium prices in both the domestic and export markets.
Review of seafood market access issues
Andrew Pointon, David Padula
September to October 2007
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Identify current key markets for Australian seafood and the current technical requirements for market entry
- Identify and detail research and development work being undertaken in key markets in relation to food safety and product integrity that may impact on Australian seafood exporters
- Identify and detail work being done, or being proposed, internationally by industry or governments in relation to seafood safety and product integrity
- Investigate and detail current Codex and other international activities that may influence the technical requirements of Australia’s key markets
- Identify trends in rejections of Australian shipments and reasons for them
- Determine what research and development capabilities exist and the opportunities for collaboration within Australia
- Identify potential opportunities for collaboration internationally
Outcomes
- Inform the development of the Seafood CRC Market Security Program to provide a basis for determining where to invest in research and development and how to achieve the best and most effective return on this investment
Food safety validation of storage/transport temperatures for live Australian oyster species
Andrew Pointon, John Sumner
March 2007
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Conduct a Hazard Identification to clarify the food safety risks that the myriad of regulations and interpretations seek to mitigate
- Use the Hazard Identification to inform the technical interpretation of existing requirements with AQIS and NSW, Tasmanian and South Australian regulators and seek agreement on scientifically justifiable critical limits and define data gaps for validation of the equivalence of alternative temperature regimes
- Detail the scope of any research required
Outcomes
- Clarification of the interpretation of the existing AQIS Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Orders 2005
- Definition of remaining information required for the demonstration of equivalence
- Capacity to access export markets while maintaining premium quality
Zinc residue testing for Southern Bluefin Tuna, shellfish and seafloor sediments
David Padula, Ben Daughtry
August–December 2006
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Test Southern Bluefin Tuna, shellfish and seafloor sediments for zinc residues as part of an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) registration application for a commercial marine sea-cage antifouling product (produced by WATTYL)
Outcomes
- Registration by the Tuna Boat Owners Association of South Australia (TBOASA) of the marine sea-cage antifouling compound with APVMA for use in Southern Bluefin Tuna aquaculture
Pilot study of E. coli contamination of commercially harvested cockles. Section Bank, Port River, SA
F. Brake, K. Lee, M.W. Heuzenroeder, A. Kiermeier, R. Wise, A. Pointon
August 2006
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Compare the 'DNA fingerprints' of E. coli isolated from shellfish from the Section Bank of the Port River with the DNA fingerprints of the E. coli strains from the surrounding water and mud from the nearby Bird Island
- Determine whether DNA fingerprints are shared between sampling locations and to determine the dynamics of the population of E. coli isolated from these locations
Outcomes
- No similarity found between shellfish clusters or between these and clusters from other sources
- The source (human, wildlife, livestock) of faecal contamination remains unknown
- It is recommended that further sampling be undertaken during summer if the counts remain high
- Continuation of monitoring is recommended
A supply chain assessment of marine vibrios in oysters: prevalence, quantification and public health risk
Connor Thomas, Tom Madigan, Andrew Pointon
August 2005–August 2006
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Determine numbers of marine vibrios and total viable counts of bacteria associated with oysters harvested from SA waters, across the annual growing cycle
- Determine numbers of marine vibrios and total viable counts of bacteria present in seawater associated with SA oyster leases during the annual growing cycle
- Obtain unequivocal evidence for the presence of potentially pathogenic strains of Vibrio spp. associated with SA oysters, seawater associated with oyster leases and retail product
- Provide information about the effects of current harvest and post-harvest handling on numbers of pathogenic marine vibrios
Outcomes
- The South Australian Research Council (SAORC) will be provided with a detailed report that outlines the potential risk to public health from oysters that are contaminated with pathogenic marine vibrios
- Where appropriate, relevant risk management options will be developed for consideration by industry
- Information developed in controlled temperature and retail studies will be used to develop recommendations for harvest techniques
- A strategy and methodology for routine examination of pathogenic marine vibrios in oysters will be developed
A market access guide for seafood exporters: International residues standards
David Padula, Andreas Kiermeier, Tom Madigan
May 2004–2010
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Produce a web-based database on seafood contaminant standards in major export trading partner nations for Australian aquaculture and wild capture fisheries
- Produce a listing of veterinary medicines registered for aquaculture usage in Australia
- Inform peak Industry bodies and Australian commonwealth agencies on importing country-specific residue standards
Outcomes
- A market access guide to country-specific residue standards, sampling and testing protocols for seafood in a web-based database available through the Seafood Services Australia web site
- Provide the Australian Seafood Industry with information on current standards, and trends for new standards
Management of food safety hazards in farmed Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) to exploit market opportunities
David Padula, Ben Daughtry, Andreas Kiermeier, Tom Madigan, Sam Phua, Sita Balshaw
July 2004–June 2007
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Determine the time:size relationship (wild and farmed) for mercury bioaccumulation in SBT
- Benchmark residue levels in local and imported baitfish and manufactured feeds
- Investigate the association between dioxin and lipid deposition in farmed tuna
- Investigate the rate of bioaccumulation of dioxin in farmed SBT over time
- Establish dioxin congener patterns of Coplanar PCBs ie PCB 126 in feeds for mitigating trade risk
- Establish ratio of methyl mercury:total mercury in wild and farmed SBT
- Investigate the rate of bioaccumulation of mercury in farmed SBT over time
- Validate the feed decision support matrix for residues
- Develop a predictive model for risk management of Mercury residues and refine a Dioxin model
Outcomes
- Provide the SBT Aquaculture industry with the ability to further exploit its good residue status in relation to export competitors: this is in terms of ensuring sustainable market access (as residue level requirements of the market changes) and differentiating the product from that produced by market competitors to leverage price
Risk-based assessment of wild harvested scallops in SA
Tom Madigan, Ken Lee, David Padula
2003–2004
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Determine hazards and potential risk, and options for risk management
- Benchmark biotoxin (DSP) during algal bloom in scallops, razorfish and oysters
Outcomes
- Advice to PIRSA and industry on potential for risk and risk management options for consideration in response to SA Food Safety Strategic Action Plan 2003
Development and validation of baitfish sampling methods to address international residue standards for Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)
David Padula, Andreas Kiermeier, Ben Daughtry, Tom Madigan
2003–2004
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Industry will be provided with reliable sampling protocols (optimum weight and number) to evaluate imported baitfish shipments for residues
- As a result of the first objective, define the relationship between residue levels in imported baitfish and Maximum Residue Levels for Japanese SBT market access
- Assess the potential bioaccumulation of food safety hazards along the food chain for SBT
- Specifically, develop a quantitative model for estimating bioaccumulation of dioxin in SBT carcases with known feed histories
- Advise the Net Antifoulant project on sampling approaches (site, tests etc) and assist with interpretation of data
Outcomes
- To inform purchasing policy for industry to minimise accumulation of 'price-sensitive' chemicals/ metals
- To keep hazard levels lower than competitor’s product to attract a price premium
Identification and management of potential food safety issues in aquaculture-produced Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi)
David Padula, Andreas Kiermeier, Tom Madigan
2003
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Determine risk factors for food safety hazards in Yellowtail Kingfish
- Define market requirements and identify minimum criteria (levels of detection etc) to direct testing
- Define priorities for development of a product integrity program
- Provide food safety risk management options for industry
- Define any food safety R&D priorities
Outcomes
- Guide to industry development of a Quality Assurance scheme for for aquaculture feed producers
Food safety and quality assurance for cooked prawns: Development and evaluation of a framework for the validation of a supply chain approach
Connor Thomas, Geoff Holds, Andrew Pointon
2003
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Develop an approach designed to validate the APPA Code of Practice across the supply chain for cooked prawns as a model for crustacean industries
- Benchmark industry performance criterion (i.e. quantify decrease/increase of indicator organisms) for cooking, freezing and preparation for retail (thawing, retail hygiene) processes
- Benchmark industry product criteria (i.e. levels of food safety and shelf life microorganisms) across the supply chain to evaluate conformity with the ANZFA Food Standards Code
Outcomes
- Advice to the SGWCPPA on the efficacy of current processing procedures and type, value and appropriateness of adopting routine microbiological monitoring as part of routine fleet audit verification
- Validated industry measures to meet food safety standards
- Identified research priorities to enhance product shelf life
Lower Pt River Cockles – Benchmarking survey of food safety hazards (metals and chemical contamination)
David Padula, Heloisa Mariath, Keith Jones, Ken Lee
2002
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Assess the food safety risk of commercially harvested mollusc species in the lower Port River, South Australia against FSANZ Food Standards Code for molluscs
- Undertake biotoxin testing to identify any potential public health threats
- Assess sediment quality against Australian guidelines for protection of marine ecosystems
- Benchmark food safety hazards in mud cockles prior to dredging of the Port River
Outcomes
- Review of harvesting arrangements by PIRSA with fishers resulted in inclusion in the South Australian Shellfish Qualitiy Assurance Program (SASQAP)
- Additional considerations for monitoring requirements of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)/ Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH)/ Department of Human Services (DHS) for dredging of Pt River by Flinders Ports
- Submitted by PIRSA to FSANZ for use in establishing the Seafood Primary Production and Processing Standard (submitted 2003) for harvested shellfish
Green and Cooked Prawns – Through-chain food safety and shelf life risk assessment
Connor Thomas, Geoff Holds
2002
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Benchmarking of shelf life and food safety across the supply-chain resulting in revised HACCP plans accordingly
- Outputs will underpin a review of food safety systems across the supply-chain and be delivered through revised HACCP plans
Outcomes
- Revision of QA arrangements for the Prawn industry
- Support for product quality claims in marketing
- Inform establishment of routine micro monitoring to validate 'SGWCPFA fleet' QA (through SASQAP)
A risk-based assessment of foodborne hazards in carcases of Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)
David Padula, Heloisa Mariath
2001–2002
Project Objectives and Technical Outputs
- Review existing information on potential contaminants
- Define the levels of contaminants in wild caught SBT
- Define the levels of contaminants in aquaculture-produced Southern Bluefin Tuna
- Define the levels of contaminants in feeds
- Determine potential for sediment to act as a secondary (or primary) pathway for contamination of carcases
Outcomes
- Use of data as a 'price differential lever' based on proven quality (safety) by TBOASA
- Utilised by FSANZ for use in establishing the Seafood Primary Production and Processing Standard (submitted 2003) – SBT excluded from Mercury Advisory
- Official report to be presented to Japanese Government and other market officials in 2003–2004
