Which two seafood products are commonly contaminated with Pseudo-nitzschia?

• A. Oysters and Clams
• B. Salmon and Tuna
• C. Shrimp and Scallops
• D. Anchovies and Sardines

Answer: (D)

Pseudo-nitzschia produces domoic acid, a neurotoxin that can contaminate seafood during harmful algal bloom events. The toxin builds up through the food chain, so organisms that feed directly on plankton and small prey are commonly affected. Anchovies and sardines are classic examples of small pelagic fish that ingest contaminated plankton and accumulate domoic acid in their tissues when blooms occur. This makes them frequently associated with Pseudo-nitzschia contamination.

The other options can be involved in toxin transfer in some situations, but they are not as consistently linked to domoic acid during HABs as these two small pelagic fish are.