Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins
The marine biotoxins laboratory, attached to the AESAN OA, through the General Subdirectorate of Official Control and Alerts, carries out its scientific-technical support and analytical control duties in the field of marine biotoxins.
Welcome to the European Union Reference Laboratory for the control of Marine Biotoxins (EURLMB)
The EURLMB is responsible for monitoring and controlling marine biotoxins, phytoplankton, and the microbiological quality of bivalve mollusc production areas. Its work plays a crucial role in protecting public health and strengthening food safety across Europe.
As a European Union Reference Laboratory, the EURLMB coordinates the network of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) designated by the Member States, promoting the harmonization of methods and providing scientific and technical assistance to ensure a high level of consumer protection.
Our team
News
EURLMB brings its proficiency testing expertise to Eurachem 2026
This week, Pablo Sosa, Head of the Analysis Department, is representing the EURLMB at the 11th Eurachem PT Workshop 2026: Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, taking place in Alicante, Spain, from 28 September to 1 October 2026. As part of the workshop, Pablo is presenting a poster on the stability studies of samples used in EURLMB proficiency testing schemes, a critical aspect in ensuring reliable and comparable results across laboratories. This contribution is particularly significant following the EURLMB's recent ENAC accreditation according to UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17043 for the organisation of proficiency testing schemes, recognising the technical competence and quality of this activity. By sharing its experience with the international proficiency testing community, the EURLMB continues to strengthen its commitment to scientific excellence, quality assurance and support for laboratories across Europe.
EURLMB achieves ENAC accreditation for the organisation of proficiency testing schemes
The Marine Biotoxins Laboratory of AESAN, designated as the European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins (EURLMB), has obtained ENAC accreditation in accordance with UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17043 for the organisation of proficiency testing schemes. This accreditation recognises the laboratory's technical competence to design and coordinate interlaboratory comparison programmes, an essential tool for ensuring the quality and reliability of analytical results. According to AESAN,"this accreditation reinforces the Agency’s commitment to scientific excellence, the quality of analytical results and technical support to the European network of laboratories, contributing to food safety and the protection of public health." With this new achievement, which complements the laboratory's existing accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025, the EURLMB further strengthens its role as a European reference centre and continues to enhance the services it provides to laboratories and competent authorities.
EMERGING TOXINS SEMINAR VIGO OCTOBER 22 nd – 23 rd 2026
Vigo will host the Scientific Seminar on Emerging Toxins: Advanced Analytical Approaches, organised by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins (EURLMB). Two days focused on the latest developments in ciguatera, TTX and other emerging marine toxins, bringing together leading international experts and representatives from the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs).
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH SAFETY
EURLMB staff will be present at the upcoming INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH SAFETY (ICMSS), taking place 6–11 September 2026 at the University of Exeter, UK. Further details, including registration (with day rates now available), can be found here:
Redibal 2026
The city of Faro (Portugal) recently hosted the 16th Iberian Meeting on Harmful Microalgae and Marine Biotoxins (REDIBAL 2026), a leading forum for knowledge exchange in this field. Mónica Cid and Verónica García participated on behalf of the EURLMB, presenting a poster on ciguatoxin detection and contributing to the EURLMB's visibility at the European level.
Advanced Training Course on the Determination of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins(PSP)
From 23 to 27 March, within the framework of support and training activities for third countries, the EURLMB will deliver an Advanced Training Course on the Determination of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSP), based on the reference method UNE-EN 14526. The training will be addressed to a Chilean delegation, composed of technical staff from control laboratories, and will aim to strengthen analytical capabilities, support the correct implementation of the method, and promote the harmonisation of analytical result
The Marine Biotoxins Laboratory at Madrid Science Week 2026
The Marine Biotoxins Laboratory will take part in Madrid Science Week 2026, to be held from 19 to 21 March, with activities focused on the theme “Safe Aquaculture.” During these days, you will be able to learn what marine biotoxins are, where they come from, and why it is important to detect them. The laboratory will showcase how scientific methods for their analysis are developed and improved, as well as how common guidelines are established to ensure that analytical results are comparable across different countries. An opportunity to discover how science contributes to safer, more sustainable, and reliable aquaculture.
Location & Contact
EU Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins
Citexvi Campus Universitario de Vigo
Fonte das Abelleiras, s/n
36310 Vigo Spain
+34 91 3380554
