Evaluation of the mutagenic properties of the coccolithophore Pleurochrysis carterae (Haptophyceae) as a potential human food supplement

The mutagenicity of the alga Pleurochrysis carterae for use as human food was tested by the Ames method with the modification of pre-incubation, by using Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA. The freeze-dried powder of P. carterae was not mutagenic to any strain either with or without S9 mix. In view of the absence of adverse effects of P. carterae in this mutagenicity study, it is suggested that P. carterae is safe for human consumption as a human food supplement.