The 3 "R"S approach to marine biotoxin testing in the UK

• Published in: Alternatives to Animal Testing and Experimentation 2011, Vol.16 (2), p.87-88
• Main Authors: Ngaire Dennison, David B.Anderson
• Format: Article
• Language: Japanese
• ISSN: 1344-0411

「Abstract」The current reliance on the use of the Mouse Bioassay to detect shellfish biotoxins in national shellfish safety programmes in Europe means that there are regulatory aspects that potentially conflict between food hygiene and animal experimentation legislation. In the United Kingdom, the use of animals for any scientific purpose requires authorisation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Such use must consider fully all aspects of the 3 "R"s, including the use of reasonably practicable alternatives as they become available, minimising animal numbers on protocols and ensuring methodology minimises potential suffering. Laboratories within the UK have investigated a number of approaches to address the 3 "R"s in the shellfish biotoxin monitoring programme. These include pre-screening methods, reduction of duration of test and the number of animals used for each sample and the use of anaesthesia. A number of issues exist for regulators in considering whether and when alternative or refined strategies can and should be required to be used for such testing programmes. These include criteria for validation and when the validation process can be considered to have been completed. Collaboration and good communication between regulators, laboratories and the industry to resolve such issues is essential.