Description
Saxitoxin is one of the toxins associated with paralytic shellf ish poisoning (PSP), produced by several marine dinoflagellates and fresh water algae. Contamination of shellfish with saxitoxin has been associated with harmful algal blooms throughout the world.
In man, PSP causes dose-dependent perioral numbness or tingling sensations and progressive muscular paralysis, which can result in death through respiratory arrest. The maximum tolerance levels established by the EU and FDA are 40-80 ug per 100 g edible portion of fresh, frozen, or tinned shellfish