First Detection of Tetrodotoxin in Bivalves and Gastropods from the French Mainland Coasts

Abstract : In 2015, tetrodotoxins (TTXs) were considered a potential threat in Europe since several studies had shown the presence of these toxins in European bivalve molluscs. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of TTXs in 127 bivalve samples (mussels and oysters) and in 66 gastropod samples (whelks) collected all along the French mainland coasts in 2017 and 2018. Analyses were carried out after optimization and in-house validation of a performing hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography associated with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method. The concentration set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) not expected to result in adverse effects (44 µg TTX equivalent/kg) was never exceeded, but TTX was detected in three mussel samples and one whelk sample (1.7-11.2 µg/kg). The tissue distribution of TTX in this whelk sample showed higher concentrations in the digestive gland, stomach and gonads (7.4 µg TTX/kg) than in the rest of the whelk tissues (below the limit of detection of 1.7 µg TTX/kg). This is the first study to report the detection of TTX in French molluscs. Keywords: tetrodotoxins (TTXs); bivalve molluscs; gastropods; hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography associated with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS); tetrodotoxin shellfish poisoning (TSP) Key Contribution: As recommended by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this study provides new information on TTXs occurrence in bivalves and gastropods in European waters. These data will contribute to a more reliable risk assessment.