Shelf life modelling of osmotically treated chilled gilthead seabream fillets

The shelf life extension of osmotically treated chilled gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fillets was studied. Water-loss, solid-gain, salt content and water activity were measured. Osmotic pretreatment with 40, 50 and 60% maltodextrin (DE 47) plus 5% NaCl solutions caused substantial water loss (12.3–77.0%) and solid enrichment (2.5–34.1%) with higher solution concentrations showing the highest values of mass flow. Quality indices (colour, microbial growth, TVB-N, sensory scoring) were estimated during refrigerated storage and kinetically modelled. Temperature dependence of quality loss rates was modelled by the Arrhenius equation. Shelf-life at 5°C was 4d for untreated fillets and 9, 11 and 13d for fillets treated with 40, 50 and 60% maltodextrin, respectively.Industrial relevanceThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of osmotic pretreatment on the quality characteristics of gilthead seabream and to investigate the potential of using osmosis as a minimal treatment to extend the shelf life of fish products. Osmotic solution concentration had a significant effect on the osmotic dehydration of gilthead seabream fillets. Pretreated samples were found to have improved quality stability during subsequent refrigerated storage, in terms of microbial growth and organoleptic degradation, resulting in a significant shelf-life extension at all storage temperatures.     

Predictive modelling and selection of Time Temperature Integrators for monitoring the shelf life of modified atmosphere packed gilthead seabream fillets

The objective of the present study was to validate a kinetic model for growth of spoilage bacteria in modified atmosphere packed (MAP) gilthead seabream fillets and to select a Time Temperature Integrator (TTI). The temperature and CO₂ dependence of the growth of lactic acid bacteria in MAP gilthead seabream fillets was expressed by an Arrhenius-type model for the range of 0-15 °C and 20-80% CO₂, which was validated at isothermal, variable and chill chain conditions. A new UV activatable photochemical TTI, was kinetically studied and the influence of the level of activation on the response of the TTI was modelled. Applying the developed models, the required charging levels were estimated so that the TTI response was tailored to monitor the shelf life of fish fillets at selected MAP conditions, during the chill chain storage. A simulation experiment of the product distribution and storage in various chill chain conditions showed the applicability of the TTIs as shelf life monitors.     

Shelf Life Assessment of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Turbot (Psetta maxima) Fillets: Evaluation of Microbial, Physical and Chemical Quality Parameters

Quality and safety of turbot fillets under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were assessed by microbial (total viable counts), physical (drip loss, pH, colour CIE Lab) and chemical parameters (total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMAN), biogenic amine contents). Three different atmospheres (MAP 1, 10/40/50 % O₂/CO₂/N₂; MAP 2, 10/60/30 % O₂/CO₂/N₂; MAP 3, 10/80/10 % O₂/CO₂/N₂) were tested. Packaged turbot fillets were stored at 2?±?1 °C and monitored over 30 days, at intervals of 5 days. Fillets from the control group, packaged with air (AIR), were the first to present signs of degradation reaching rejection threshold values for all evaluated parameters. In MAP fillets, total bacterial count was lower than 10⁶ cfu/g for a longer period. After 10 days of storage, MAP and AIR fillets showed significant differences (p?<?0.05) on the values of TVBN, TMAN and biogenic amines. MAP fillets presented a higher drip loss, and fillets in AIR became more yellowish (upper b* values) while those in MAP looked whitish for an increased period (upper L* values). All microbial, chemical and physical traits revealed the protective effect of the different MAP studied, especially those with a higher percentage of CO₂. MAP application added, at least, 5 days to shelf life of turbot fillets.     

The effects of soluble gas stabilisation on the quality of packed sardine fillets (Sardina pilchardus) stored in air,VP and MAP

Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is a species that for its abundance assumes great importance in the Portuguese fishing sector. In order to contribute for a better utilisation of this species, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the pre‐treatment with soluble gas stabilisation (SGS) (100% CO₂ at 2 bar, during 15 and 30 min) on the quality and shelf‐life of sardine fillets, packed in air (AP), vacuum (VP) and modified atmosphere (MAP: 5% O₂/35% CO₂/60% N₂). During the chilled storage, the quality changes were evaluated by sensory evaluation, chemical and microbiological analysis. The total volatile basic nitrogen content remained almost constant, between 16 and 19 mg N/100 g muscle, during the storage period, for all samples. The TBARs values increased with storage time, for all batches and storage conditions. The application of SGS treatment to sardine fillets, resulted in a bacteriostatic effect, contributing to the improvement of the microbiological quality of fillets. Considering a sensory criteria, the shelf‐life of SGS pre‐treated sardine fillets was found to be 5 days in AP and MAP while in VP‐treated fillets a shelf‐life of 8 days was reported. At sensory rejection, sardine fillets presented a K‐value of 30% in AP and MAP batches and 40% in VP batch.     

Original article: Effect of modified atmosphere packaging using different CO2 and N2 combinations on physical,chemical, microbiological and sensory changes of fresh sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets

The effect of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAPs) on physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory changes of sea bass fillets when stored at 4 °C and standard light conditions was investigated for up to 21 days and compared to a control batch stored in overwrap. Sea bass fillets were packed using different CO₂ and N₂ combinations (40% CO₂–60% N₂; 50% CO₂–50% N₂; 60% CO₂–40% N₂), and quality assessment was based on instrumental, chemical, microbiological and sensory analysis. The results showed that MAP extended shelf‐life of sea bass fillets from 7 days (overwrap packaging) to 14 days. Drip loss, pH values and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measurements were higher in overwrap samples but no differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between MAP samples. Bacteria grew most quickly and showed higher counts in overwrap samples followed by 40% CO₂–60% N₂; 50% CO₂–50% N₂ and finally 60% CO₂–40% N₂. Sensory analyses were in good relation with chemical and microbiological results establishing best scores and an extended shelf‐life for MAP samples especially in MAPs with high CO₂ levels.     

Quality of farmed gilthead seabream (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparus aurata</Emphasis>) during ice storage related to the slaughter method and gutting

This paper examines the influence of the slaughter method and the post-mortem treatment (gutting) on the quality during ice storage of cultured gilthead seabream collected under industrial conditions. The choice of slaughter method had no great effect on the main biochemical indices, physicochemical parameters or sensory assessment, although there were slight microbiological differences. The expected improvement in quality using "humane" as opposed to commercial methods was not observed and was probably masked by the pre-slaughter stress affecting industrially harvested fish. The influence of gutting materialised as a decrease in the intensity of rigor mortis and a drop in microbial load, largely at the outset of shelf life. All the other parameters considered were almost unaffected by gutting. The physicochemical quality indices normally used to determine fish spoilage during ice storage are not suitable for establishing the quality of immature farmed gilthead seabream.     

Washing effect on the quality index method (QIM) developed for raw gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The effect produced on the evolution of the quality index by washing gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with tap water during storage and whether it affects other fish quality parameters such as the K value, the microbial load and sensory evaluation of cooked fillets is examined. The results indicate that washing reduced the demerit points assigned when the raw gilthead seabream was evaluated with the QIM. The maximum allowable score for this species was not reached in the washed fish even when the storage period set on the basis of both sensory and microbiological considerations was exceeded. Washing caused no significant differences with respect to unwashed fish in the evolution of the K value or in the sensory evaluation of the cooked fillets. On the other hand, washing delayed the limit of microbiological acceptability.     

Microbiological and Sensorial Quality Assessment of Ready-to-Cook Seafood Products Packaged under Modified Atmosphere

ABSTRACT:  The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (30:40:30 O₂:CO₂:N₂ and 5:95 O₂:CO₂) on the quality of 4 ready-to-cook seafood products were studied. In particular, the investigation was carried out on hake fillets, yellow gurnard fillets, chub mackerel fillets, and entire eviscerated cuttlefish. Quality assessment was based on microbiological and sensorial indices determination. Both packaging gas mixtures contributed to a considerable slowing down of the microbial and sensorial quality loss of the investigated seafood products. Results showed that sensorial quality was the subindex that limited their shelf life. In fact, based primarily on microbiological results, samples under MAP remained acceptable up to the end of storage (that is, 14 d), regardless of fish specie. On the other hand, results from sensory analyses showed that chub mackerel fillets in MAP were acceptable up to the 6th storage d, whilst hake fillets, yellow gurnard fillets, and entire cuttlefish became unacceptable after 10 to 11 d. However, compared to control samples, an increase in the sensorial shelf life of MAP samples (ranging from about 95% to 250%) was always recorded.
Practical Application: Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an inexpensive and uncomplicated method of extending shelf life of packed seafood. It could gain great attention from the fish industrial sector due to the fact that MAP is a practical and economic technique, realizable by small technical expedients. Moreover, there is great attention from the food industry and retailers to react to the growing demand for convenience food, thus promoting an increase in the assortments of ready-to-cook seafood products.     

Sensory, physical, chemical and microbiological changes in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets packed under modified atmosphere/air or prepared from whole fish stored in ice

Quality changes and shelf‐life in European sea bass fillets packed under 40% CO₂: 60% N₂ (MAP) and air (AIR) or prepared from the whole ungutted fish stored in ice (ROUND) were compared. Raw and cooked sensory scores, pH, colour, expressible water, malonaldehyde, total viable count, Pseudomonas spp., H₂S‐producing bacteria, Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., coliforms and proteolytic counts, were determined until AIR and MAP raw fillet spoilage. Raw ROUND fillets had the best quality and shelf‐life (10 vs. 8 vs. 7 days after slaughtering in ROUND, MAP and AIR, respectively), while the MAP fillets had better sensorial scores, lower pH values and better microbiological counts, but greater lightness values than the corresponding AIR fillets. MAP fillets also had the highest malonaldehyde levels. The higher correlation between Streptococcus spp. and odour scores (r = ?0.971, P < 0.01) compared to the other species could suggest that it is a specific spoilage organism in the MAP condition used.     

The effects of natural antioxidants and lighting conditions on the quality of salmon (Salmo salar) fillets packaged in modified atmosphere

The effect of lighting conditions (darkness, a low‐UV colour‐balanced lamp and supermarket fluorescents), along with the application of natural antioxidants (rosemary extract and ascorbic acid) on shelf‐life of salmon (Salmo salar) fillets packaged in modified atmosphere and stored at 1 ± 1 °C was studied. Darkness and lighting with low‐UV colour‐balanced lamps led to an extension of shelf‐life compared with conventional light, as assessed by a* values, lipid oxidation (TBARS value) and sensory evaluation. The application of natural antioxidants on the surface of MAP salmon fillets gave rise to a delay of lipid oxidation as well as an improvement of the sensory quality, mainly in the case of conventional lighting conditions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of anchovy by-product protein coating incorporated with thyme essential oil on the shelf life of anchovy (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Engraulis encrasicolus</Emphasis> L.) fillets

The effects of anchovy by-product protein coatings incorporated with thyme essential oil (TEO) on the shelf life of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) fillets stored at 4 ± 1 °C were investigated. We grouped fillets in three categories: untreated fillets, fillets treated in coating solution alone, and fillets treated in coating solution containing 1.5% TEO and analyzed on 0, 3, 6, and 9 days of storage. It was observed that the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and pH of all the fillet groups increased under cold storage conditions; however, this increase was much slow in both the coated anchovy fillets. Both coating applications slowed down the lipid oxidation but the coating containing TEO exhibited better effect than coating alone. The coating application alone or with essential oil had limited effect on microbial growth but positively affected the sensory quality. These results revealed that anchovy by-product protein coating mixed with TEO may prolong anchovy fillets’ shelf life stored under cold condition.     

EFFECTS OF NISIN AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING (MAP) ON THE QUALITY OF EMULSION‐TYPE SAUSAGE

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to study the effects of nisin (30 ppm) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the chemical, microbial and sensory properties of emulsion‐type sausage stored under two different atmospheres (%CO₂/%N₂/%CO/%O₂): 39.5/60/0.5/0 and 39.5/20/0.5/40. The samples were stored at 3 ± 1C for 42 days. Microbial count, values of pH, CIE L*, a* and b* color parameters, lipid oxidation, production of nitrosomyoglobin and sensory properties were assessed throughout the storage period. The data showed that nisin was able to reduce the growth of mesophilic, psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria. In addition, the MAP did not show any significant effects on microbial growth. However, free O₂ MAP, in combination with nisin, reduced the growth of yeast and mold. MAP could produce a stabilized red color and minimize the oxidative reactions in the samples. Packaging conditions had no significant effect on pH and sensory properties.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this study confirmed that nisin can reduce the growth rate of lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria in emulsion‐type sausage, and free O₂ MAP, in combination with nisin, inhibits the growth of yeast and mold. The use of 30 ppm nisin, in combination with MAP containing 39.5% CO₂ and 0.5% CO gases, can lead to better quality preservation of the emulsion‐type sausages stored at low temperature and can extend their shelf life.     

The effects of natural antioxidants and lighting conditions on the quality characteristics of gilt‐head sea bream fillets (Sparus aurata) packaged in a modified atmosphere

The effects of lighting conditions and the application of natural antioxidants (rosemary extract and ascorbic acid) on the shelf‐life of gilt‐head sea bream fillets (Sparus aurata) packaged in a modified atmosphere (MAP) and stored at 1 ± 1 °C were studied. Lighting with low‐UV colour‐balanced lamps led to an extension of shelf‐life compared with that under supermarket fluorescent tubes, as assessed by lipid oxidation (TBARS value) and sensory evaluation. The application of antioxidants to the surface of MAP fillets delayed lipid oxidation besides improving the sensory quality. Rosemary extract was more effective than ascorbic acid in delaying lipid oxidation under both kinds of lighting. The effect of ascorbic acid was greater in the samples illuminated by low‐UV tubes than in those stored under conventional lighting. However, the effectiveness of rosemary extract was similar in both kinds of lighting conditions. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nondestructive and Continuous Monitoring of Oxygen Levels in Modified Atmosphere Packaged Ready‐to‐Eat Mixed Salad Products Using Optical Oxygen Sensors,and Its Effects on Sensory and Microbiological Counts during Storage

The objective of this study was to determine the percentage oxygen consumption of fresh, respiring ready‐to‐eat (RTE) mixed leaf salad products (Iceberg salad leaf, Caesar salad leaf, and Italian salad leaf). These were held under different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions (5% O₂, 5% CO₂, 90% N₂ (MAPC—commercial control), 21% O₂, 5% CO₂, 74% N₂ (MAP 1), 45% O₂, 5% CO₂, 50% N₂ (MAP 2), and 60% O₂, 5% CO₂, 35% N₂ (MAP 3)) and 4 °C for up to 10 d. The quality and shelf‐life stability of all packaged salad products were evaluated using sensory, physiochemical, and microbial assessment. Oxygen levels in all MAP packs were measured on each day of analysis using optical oxygen sensors allowing for nondestructive assessment of packs. Analysis showed that with the exception of control packs, oxygen levels for all MAP treatments decreased by approximately 10% after 7 d of storage. Oxygen levels in control packs were depleted after 7 d of storage. This appears to have had no detrimental effect on either the sensory quality or shelf‐life stability of any of the salad products investigated. Additionally, the presence of higher levels of oxygen in modified atmosphere packs did not significantly improve product quality or shelf‐life stability; however, these additional levels of oxygen were freely available to fresh respiring produce if required. This study shows that the application of optical sensors in MAP packs was successful in nondestructively monitoring oxygen level, or changes in oxygen level, during refrigerated storage of RTE salad products.     

3-Chlorotyrosine formation in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) fillets treated with sodium hypochlorite

The chlorination of tyrosine in fish fillets as a result of hypochlorite dipping was investigated and the formation of 3-chlorotyrosine was proved to be reproducible (average RSD < 6.0%). In European plaice, 0.85% (inner portion) and 1.88% (surface) of tyrosine were converted to 3-chlorotyrosine after 60 min dipping in 2000 mg/L NaOCl. As the dose of hypochlorite acid increased to 7816 mg/L, those percentages were 1.07% and 2.81%, respectively. Experiments on gilthead seabream showed the clear impact of dipping time and NaOCl concentration on the formation of 3-chlorotyrosine at the fillet surface and the levels of 3-chlorotyrosine reached a plateau at 1000 mg NaOCl/L. At the same dipping time, the 3-chlorotyrosine contents increased noticeably from about 1.40 to 4.90 ppm in gilthead seabream fillets treated with 125–1000 mg/L NaOCl. 3-chlorotyrosine formation was evaluated in four fish species (whiting, European plaice, gilthead seabream and Atlantic salmon) and proved to be species dependent, but no direct with the fat content could be found. During the chilled storage (4 °C), the 3-chlorotyrosine was constant. The use of 31 mg OClˉ/L could be detected for seabream.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging and UV-C Radiation on Shelf Life of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination to UV-C radiation on rainbow trout fillets were examined. The samples were submitted to two treatments: (T1) aerobic package; (T2) MAP+UV-C radiation (80% CO₂/20% N_2; 106.32mJ/cm²) and were analyzed daily for microbiological (mesophilic and psychrotrophic count) and chemical (biogenic amines) parameters. MAP+UV-C radiation (T2) promoted lag phase formation and lower number of colonies in the stationary phase as well as retarded cadaverine production during storage time. MAP+UV-C radiation retard microbial growth and delay chemical changes enhancing the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets by at least twice.     

The combined effect of superchilling and modified atmosphere packaging using CO2 emitter on quality during chilled storage of pre‐rigor salmon fillets (Salmo salar)

BACKGROUND: Pre‐rigor fillets of Atlantic salmon were either superchilled or chilled prior to packaging in air or in modified atmosphere (MAP, 60% CO₂/40% N₂) with a CO₂ emitter, in 5.3 L high‐density polyethylene trays with three to four layers of fillets (3.0–3.7 kg). All samples were stored at 0.1 °C for 28 days. RESULTS: Fillets stored in MAP had significantly lower bacterial growth compared to fillets stored in air, and MAP superchilled bottom fillets had lower bacterial counts compared to the corresponding chilled fillets. Samples superchilled prior to refrigerated storage in air had similar bacterial growth to ordinary chilled samples. Faster fillet softening during storage and higher liquid loss were observed in superchilled MAP samples. CONCLUSION: Combining short‐term superchilling and MAP with a CO₂ emitter prolonged the shelf‐life of pre‐rigor salmon fillets, which can improve sustainability throughout the value chain. The superchilling method needs to be optimized to avoid negative effects on texture and liquid loss. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): suitability for freezing and commercial alternatives

The quality of portion‐size farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) during frozen storage and the influence of post‐mortem treatments were studied in order to find new ways of marketing this species. Portion‐sized gilthead seabream, fasted for 48 h prior to slaughter, were frozen and stored at ?20 °C for up to one year. Whole fish were frozen immediately after rigor mortis; gutted fish were frozen immediately after rigor and after 5 days of storage in ice. All lots were stored at ?20 °C for up to one year. The myofibrillar protein of this species was very stable and a slight decrease of solubility in salt solutions was found only after one year of frozen storage. A slight decrease in water‐holding capacity and a slight increase in shear strength were observed, but these were lower than in other species. These changes were reflected as increased toughness and reduced juiciness in sensory analysis of the cooked fillets after one year. The main changes in the cooked fillets were observed in odour and flavour. No significant detrimental effect due to the guts was detected during frozen storage. Storage in ice prior to freezing was reflected in sensory assessment of the raw fish, mainly in terms of initial higher demerit points for fishy odour, gills and eyes; however, no effect was observed in the cooked fillets. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry