The federal government has invested millions into a “game-changing” testing laboratory promising to help end the devastating algal bloom crisis in South Australia.

Now, testing for brevetoxins in shellfish – a type of algal toxin – will be carried out at a new facility in suburban Adelaide.

Brevetoxins have been detected in shellfish in Australian waters for the first time, resulting in the closure of SA harvesting areas.

Eating contaminated shellfish can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches and fatigue, joint and muscle pain, tingling around the mouth, fingers and toes, burning sensation or skin pain and extreme itchiness, according to SA Health.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and SA Premier Peter Malkinauskas said the testing laboratory will fast-track results for small businesses hurting over the algal bloom in the state.

Malkinauskas said today the algal bloom is not a “public health risk”.

“What matters is that when we confront this unprecedented challenge, we are able to invest resources (so) it will make a difference in research, recovery, in supporting the economy affected by it,” he said.

“Every request I have made of the prime minister, he has come through.”

Local company Agilex Biolabs developed the methodology to allow for testing of the specific algal toxin.

Currently, testing performed in SA requires samples to be sent to New Zealand for analysis.

This usually results in delays of up to a week.

The federal government said the new centre in Adelaide will reduce this delay and help businesses return to normal trading once the toxin levels are reduced.

The SA mussel industry was able to reopen following a reduction in brevetoxin levels following testing.

The centre forms part of the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded by the federal and state government.

Community support and beach clean-up initiatives also received a boost, alongside the provision of $10,000 small business grants.

“Australians love their seafood – and they also know some of the best comes from across South Australia,” Albanese said today.

“The ability to monitor and test for brevetoxins here in Adelaide will speed up the necessary processes to ensure food is safe and allow more shellfish on more plates more quickly.”

Malinauskas said impacted businesses can still apply for financial assistance.

“This new national facility will ensure test results can be turned around more quickly – meaning shellfish businesses which endure temporary closure can be back in business sooner when brevetoxin levels drop,” the premier added.

The bloom is believed to have been caused by a marine heatwave and events dating back to 2022 that brought and lifted nutrients into the sea.

There have been calls to label the algal bloom a natural disaster.