Cluster analysis of toxins profile pattern as a tool for tracing shellfish contaminated with PSP-toxins

► Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins-contaminated shellfish in Hong Kong were studied. ► Similarity analysis identified epidemiological linkage between PSP-toxins profiles. ► Three distinct clusters of PSP-toxins profiles emerged from past 7-year records. ► PSP-toxins profiles provide clues on occurrences of PSP incidents and outbreaks. ► Useful potential biochemical indicator for tracing source of contaminated shellfish.