Safety Management of Marine Biotoxins in South Korea: Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Risk Assessment

Abstract

Over the past few decades, various marine biotoxins, including paralytic shellfish poison, diarrheal shellfish poison, neurotoxic shellfish poison, and amnestic shellfish poison, have become international oceanographic concerns. These toxins are closely linked to global warming and the subsequent northward migration of toxic marine organisms, such as microalgae, fish, and benthic invertebrates, from tropical and subtropical regions. In South Korea, the bioaccumulation of marine biotoxins and incidents of seafood poisoning have also emerged as critical issues. Clear evidence indicates that the presence of toxic marine organisms in Korean coastal waters has increased, likely due to recent increases in seawater temperature. Since 2020, supported by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the R&D project 'Establishment of the Safety Management System for Marine Biotoxins' has been carried out. This project aims to identify various regulated and unregulated marine biotoxins present in Korean coastal waters and seafood. This comprehensive project encompasses: (1) analytical methods, (2) causative organisms, (3) seafood contamination status, (4) novel and rapid detection method, (5) alternative toxicity testing method, (6) standard materials, and (7) risk assessment. The purpose of this special issue is to share the accumulated knowledge and technological advancements related to marine biotoxins by Korean researchers. The issue includes nine papers covering various types of marine biotoxins, as well as innovative bioassays and rapid detection kits. Additionally, it covers topics such as risk assessment and biotoxin management to ensure the safety of marine products.