Portuguese macroalgae and halophytes for human consumption: Minimal risk of norovirus and Salmonella infection

Information regarding microbiological hazards in edible macroalgae and halophytes is scarce, and standard methods for detecting norovirus in vegetables have not yet been validated for these types of food products. Accordingly, the suitability of the NF EN ISO 15216-2 standard method for macroalgae and halophytes was evaluated using 57 samples collected along the Western coast of mainland Portugal. The presence of Salmonella in 46 samples was also tested to confirm potential hazard. The viral extraction process was validated for 72% of the samples, with results showing that the standard method is suitable for green and red macroalgae, as well as for halophytes. For brown macroalgae, a process optimization should be considered. None of the samples revealed the presence of norovirus genomes, neither genogroups I nor II. Salmonella was detected in one of the samples analysed. The present study shows the great potential of Portuguese coastal areas for marine agriculture.