Assessment of Enterotoxin Production and Cross‐Contamination of Staphylococcus aureus between Food Processing Materials and Ready‐To‐Eat Cooked Fish Paste

This study evaluated Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent staphylococcal enterotoxin A production in tryptone soy broth and on ready‐to‐eat cooked fish paste at 12 to 37 °C, as well as cross‐contamination between stainless steel, polyethylene, and latex glove at room temperature. A model was developed using Barany and Roberts's growth model, which satisfactorily described the suitable growth of S. aureus with R²‐adj from 0.94 to 0.99. Except at 12 °C, S. aureus cells in TSB presented a lag time lower (14.64 to 1.65 h), grew faster (0.08 to 0.31 log CFU/h) and produced SEA at lower cell density levels (5.65 to 6.44 log CFU/mL) compare to those inoculated on cooked fish paste with data of 16.920 to 1.985 h, 0.02 to 0.23 log CFU/h, and 6.19 to 7.11 log CFU/g, respectively. Staphylococcal enterotoxin type A (SEA) visual immunoassay test showed that primary SEA detection varied considerably among different storage temperature degrees and media. For example, it occurred only during exponential phase at 30 and 37 °C in TSB, but in cooked fish paste it took place at late exponential phase of S. aureus growth at 20 and 25 °C. The SEA detection test was negative on presence of S. aureus on cooked fish paste stored at 12 and 15°C, although cell density reached level of 6.12 log CFU/g at 15 °C. Cross‐contamination expressed as transfer rate of S. aureus from polyethylene surface to cooked fish paste surface was slower than that observed with steel surface to cooked fish paste under same conditions. These results provide helpful information for controlling S. aureus growth, SEA production and cross‐contamination during processing of cooked fish paste.     

Autolytic degradation of skipjack tuna during heating as affected by initial quality and processing conditions

Several factors were studied as affecting protein degradation and texture of skipjack tuna muscle following ambient pressure thermal processing (precooking). These included degree of mushy tuna syndrome (MTS) evidenced in the raw meat, raw meat pH, abusive thawing/holding, and precooking temperature/time. Slurries and intact pieces from frozen skipjack tuna, either tempered for 2 h or thawed and held at 25 °C for 22 h (abusive treatment) were heated at temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 °C for up to 2 h, and also at 90 °C for 1 h, with or without prior adjustment of pH to 5 or 7 to favor cathepsin or calpain activity, respectively. Proteolysis of precooked samples was monitored by Lowry assay and SDS-PAGE; cooked texture of intact meat was measured using a Kramer shear press and by sensory profile analysis. Proteolysis maximally occurred in slurries of skipjack tuna muscle that had been abusively stored (22 h at 25 °C) and adjusted to pH 5 prior to heating at 55 °C. Intact pieces of tuna abusively thawed/held for 22 h with subsequent heating at 55 °C also evidenced the most proteolysis and were the least firm in texture. Raw fish that evidenced higher severity of MTS when raw displayed higher levels of proteolysis prior to cooking, which were further increased after cooking at 55 °C. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The kinetic data presented here can be used to optimize processing conditions for skipjack tuna canning to minimize textural degradation and optimize quality.     

Histamine Formation and Bacterial Spoilage of Albacore Harvested off the U.S. Northwest Coast

Iced and previously frozen albacore were monitored for histamine formation and bacterial growth during storage at 0–37°C. The optimum temperature for histamine formation in albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) was 25°C, and whole fish were more susceptible to histamine formation than dressed fish at that temperature. Storage at 25°C resulted in the highest histamine level, 60.4 mg/100g in whole fish stored for 7 days. When albacore were frozen prior to storage, reduced amount of histamine was found at 7.14 mg/100 g after 7 day storage at 25°C, only after decomposition became obvious. No histamine was found in any of the albacore samples stored in ice for 18 days.     

Gamma Ray Processing to Destroy Staphylococcus aureus in Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat

Gamma radiation doses of 0.26 kGy and 0.36 kGy, administered in vacuo at 0°C, destroyed 90% of log-phase and stationary-phase colony forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 13565 (FDA 196E), respectively, in mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM). Samples inoculated with 10^3.9 CFU/g of S. aureus were treated with gamma radiation in vacuo at 0°C and then held for 20 hr at 35°C (abusive storage). Viable CFU were found in samples irradiated to 0.75 kGy but not in those irradiated to 1.50 kGy either before or after storage. Enterotoxin was not detected in irradiated MDCM. A predictive equation was developed for the response of S. aureus in MDCM to radiation dose and irradiation temperature.     

Tuna pepsin: characteristics and its use for collagen extraction from the skin of threadfin bream (Nemipterus spp.)

ABSTRACT:  Pepsin from the stomach of albacore tuna, skipjack tuna, and tongol tuna was characterized. Pepsin from all tuna species showed maximal activity at pH 2.0 and 50 °C when hemoglobin was used as a substrate. Among the stomach extract of all species tested, that of albacore tuna showed the highest activity (40.55 units/g tissue) ( P < 0.05). Substrate-Native-PAGE revealed that pepsin from albacore tuna and tongol tuna consisted of 2 isoforms, whereas pepsin from skipjack tuna had only 1 form. The activity was completely inhibited by pepstatin A, while EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), SBTI (soybean trypsin inhibitor), and E-64 (1-( L -trans-epoxysuccinyl-leucylamino)-4-guanidinobutane) exhibited negligible effect. The activity was strongly inhibited by SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) (0.05% to 0.1%, w/v). Cysteine (5 to 50 mM) also showed an inhibitory effect in a concentration dependent manner. ATP, molybdate, NaCl, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂ had no impact on the activity. When tuna pepsin (10 units/g defatted skin) was used for collagen extraction from the skin of threadfin bream for 12 h, the yield of collagen increased by 1.84- to 2.32-fold and albacore pepsin showed the comparable extraction efficacy to porcine pepsin. The yield generally increased with increasing extraction time ( P < 0.05). All collagen obtained with the aid of tuna pepsin showed similar protein patterns compared with those found in acid-solubilized collagen. Nevertheless, pepsin from skipjack tuna caused the degradation of α and β components. All collagens were classified as type I with large portion of β-chain. However, proteins with molecular weight (MW) greater than 200 kDa were abundant in acid-solubilized collagen.     

Relation of biogenic amines to microbial and sensory changes of precooked chicken meat stored aerobically and under modified atmosphere packaging at 4 °C

The formation of biogenic amines and their correlation to microflora and sensory characteristics of a precooked chicken meat product stored aerobically and under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (30% CO₂, 70% N₂) was studied. Putrescine was the main amine formed both in aerobically and MA-packaged chicken samples. For the rest of the biogenic amines, including tyramine, histamine, and cadaverine, a stepwise increase was recorded throughout the 23-day storage period under the above packaging conditions. Spermidine was found in higher amounts, as compared to spermine in both aerobically and MA-packaged chicken samples at 4 °C. Formation of these amines in precooked chicken stored either aerobically or under a 30% CO₂, 70% N₂ atmosphere followed an inconsistent trend during the entire storage period at 4 °C. Agmatine, β-phenyl-ethylamine, and tryptamine were not detected in precooked chicken. Of the bacterial groups monitored, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) became the dominant bacteria after day 8 of storage under MAP while LAB were the dominant population of natural microflora of precooked chicken stored both aerobically or under MAP, reaching 7.5 and 8.0 log cfu/g, respectively, on day 23 of refrigerated storage. Enterobacteriaceae populations in chicken meat were below the detection limit (<1 log cfu/g) by pour plating throughout the 23-day storage period, irrespective of packaging conditions. Based on sensory data, after ca. 8 days for the precooked chicken meat stored aerobically and after 12 days under MAP (time to reach initial decomposition stage, score of 2) the putrescine and tyramine content of chicken samples were ca. 14–19 and 1.4 mg/kg, values that may be proposed as the limit for spoilage initiation of precooked chicken meat (respective TVC for both aerobically and MA-packaged chicken meat were ca. 6.5 log cfu/g).     

Growth and Enterotoxin A Production by Staphylococcus aureus in Precooked Bacon in the Intermediate Moisture Range

Different water activities were obtained in precooked bacon by varying the frying time. Water activity (a_w) correlated best to the moisture, salt and protein content. When stored aerobically at 37°C, S. aureus A100 was capable of rapid growth in precooked bacon at a a_w of 0.84 or above, whereas at 20°C a a_w of 0.88 or higher was required. Under anaerobic storage at 37°C, growth was observed at a a_w of 0.90, and at 20°C slight growth was noted at a a_w of 0.91. The increase in the minimal a_w required for aerobic growth at the lower temperature was reflected in the differences between the isotherms obtained at 37°C and 20°C. The maximum populations achieved were higher for samples stored aerobically. Enterotoxin A (19–821 ng/g) was found in all aerobically stored samples where growth occurred. Enterotoxin A (38–109 ng/g) was also found in all anaerobically incubated samples where the population of S. aureus increased more than one logarithmic cycle.     

Thermal Destruction of Listeria monocytogenes in a Meat Slurry and in Ground Beef

Thermal destruction of Listeria monocytogenes cells was determined in phosphate buffer, a meat slurry (20% ground beef/80% water) and in ground beef. D-values at 60°C, 65°C and 70°C in phosphate buffer, and in the meat slurry were 0.63, 0.29 and 0.15, and 2.54, 0.75 and 0.23 min, respectively. Heating of ground beef (80% lean) in a 75°C water bath to 50°C, 60°C or 65°C required 6.2, 8.4 and 10.6 min, respectively, and resulted in 0.2-0.9, 1.6-3.4 and 4.4-6.1 log reductions in L. monocytogenes cells, from the initial inoculation level of 8.08 log CFU/g. Viable cells were also detected after cold (21 days) or selective enrichment (24 hr) in eight out of nine samples of ground beef inoculated with 7.84-8.08 log CFU/g and cooked to 70°C.     

Effects of High‐Pressure Processing on Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium,Eating Quality,and Microstructure of Raw Chicken Breast Fillets

Abstract: High‐pressure inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium DMST 28913, eating quality, and microstructure of pressurized raw chicken breast meat was determined. The inoculated samples (approximately 7 log CFU/g initial load) were processed at 300 and 400 MPa, using pressurized medium of 25 to 35 °C during pressurization. Weibull model was well fitted to the survival curves with tailing. Least severe conditions with acceptable inactivation levels were 300 MPa, 35 °C, 1 min (approximately 2 log reduction) and 400 MPa, 30 °C, 1 min (approximately 4 log reduction). Based on these 2 conditions, the 400 MPa treatment yielded the raw chicken meat with higher L* value, greater cooking loss, and lower water holding capacity. Cooked chicken breast meat prepared from the pressurized samples had firmer texture than the control. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that higher pressure resulted in increasing extent of protein coagulation and the contraction of the muscle bundles. Practical Application: For raw chicken breast fillet, 300 MPa, 35 °C, 1 min was the condition that reasonably reduced the load of Salmonella Typhimurium. However, the pressurized samples had greater cooking loss. Marination with brine containing sodium chloride and phosphate prior to pressurization might help improve this eating quality.     

A SURVEY OF HISTAMINE LEVELS IN COMMERCIALLY PROCESSED SCOMBROID FISH PRODUCTS12

Analysis of 100 samples of each of 3 types of commercially processed scombroid fish products obtained at the retail level showed mean histamine concentrations (mg/100 g) of 3.58 for chunk light tuna, 1.50 for albacore tuna, and 2.56 for mackerel. Only 2 samples of chunk light tuna and 2 of mackerel contained greater than 10 mg% histamine. The highest level of histamine found in albacore tuna was 5.35 mg/100 g, while 99% ofthe samples had less than 5 mg% histamine. Chunk light tuna samples contained up to 28.0 mg/100 g, and mackerel samples contained up to 31.5 mg/100 g; 92% of the chunk light tuna and 95% of the mackerel had less than 5% histamine. The histamine levels found in these products were far below any level associated with food poisoning incidents.     

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by Nisin Combined with Grape Seed Extract or Green Tea Extract in Soy Protein Film Coated on Turkey Frankfurters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of grape seed extract (GSE), green tea extract (GTE), nisin and their combinations (nisin with either GSE or GTE) against Listeria monocytogenes. The inhibitory effect of these natural compounds was evaluated in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) medium containing approximately 10⁹ colony‐forming units (CFU/mL) of L. monocytogenes. The effectiveness of these compounds in a meat model system was evaluated by surface inoculation (approximately 10⁶ CFU/g) of L. monocytogenes onto turkey frankfurters. The inoculated frankfurters were dipped into soy protein film‐forming solutions with and without the addition of antimicrobial agents (GSE 1% or GTE 1% or nisin 10000 IU or combinations). Samples were stored at either 4 °C or 10 °C. The inhibitory effects of edible coatings were evaluated on a weekly basis for 28 d. The greatest inhibitory effect was observed in the PBS medium containing GSE (1%) and nisin (10000 IU/mL), which caused a 9‐log cycle reduction of L. monocytogenes population after 3 h incubation at 37 °C. In the meat system, the L. monocytogenes population (7.1 CFU/g) was decreased by more than 2 log cycle after 28 d at 4 °C and 10 °C, in the samples containing nisin (10000 IU) combined with either GSE (1%) or GTE (1%). This research has demonstrated that the use of an edible film coating containing both nisin and natural extracts is a promising means of controlling the growth and recontamination of L. monocytogenes on ready‐to‐eat meat products.     

Physicochemical and microbiological changes in postmortem crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) stored at 4 °C and 25 °C

The physicochemical and microbiological parameters of postmortem crayfish stored at 4 °C and 25 °C were evaluated in order to reduce safety risks of crayfish from temperature abuse during transportation and storage. Results showed that hepatopancreas of postmortem crayfish had significantly higher contents of total volatile basic nitrogen, biogenic amines (BAs) and higher microbial loads than tail meat, regardless of storage temperature. Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas counts reached log 6.41 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ and 6.31 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ in hepatopancreas of crayfish at 25 ℃ for 6 h. Putrescine and cadaverine were the main BAs in tail meat with levels of 28.18 ± 0.73 mg kg⁻¹ and 187.32 ± 3.57 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, whilst cadaverine, spermidine and spermine were the major BAs in hepatopancreas, reaching 283.45 ± 3.95 mg kg⁻¹, 62.87 ± 9.02 mg kg⁻¹ and 155.31 ± 4.55 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, after postmortem storage at 25 °C for 12 h. With time increasing, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Aeromonas and Chryseobacterium at 25 °C and Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Psychrobacter at 4 °C in tail meat as well as Bacteroides and Muribaculaceae at 25 °C, and Acinetobacter, Psychrobacter at 4 °C in hepatopancreas, gradually became the major genus at the end of storage. Based on the results of spoilage microorganisms and biogenic amines, crayfish stored at 4 °C and 25 °C could be edible within 24 h and 6 h, respectively.     

Antilisterial Properties of Marinades during Refrigerated Storage and Microwave Oven Reheating against Post‐Cooking Inoculated Chicken Breast Meat

This study evaluated growth of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on cooked chicken meat with different marinades and survival of the pathogen as affected by microwave oven reheating. During aerobic storage at 7 °C, on days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7, samples were reheated by microwave oven (1100 W) for 45 or 90 s and analyzed microbiologically. L. monocytogenes counts on nonmarinated (control) samples increased (P < 0.05) from 2.7 ± 0.1 (day‐0) to 6.9 ± 0.1 (day‐7) log CFU/g during storage. Initial (day‐0) pathogen counts of marinated samples were <0.5 log CFU/g lower than those of the control, irrespective of marinating treatment. At 7 d of storage, pathogen levels on samples marinated with tomato juice were not different (P ≥ 0.05; 6.9 ± 0.1 log CFU/g) from those of the control, whereas for samples treated with the remaining marinades, pathogen counts were 0.7 (soy sauce) to 2.0 (lemon juice) log CFU/g lower (P < 0.05) than those of the control. Microwave oven reheating reduced L. monocytogenes counts by 1.9 to 4.1 (45 s) and >2.4 to 5.0 (90 s) log CFU/g. With similar trends across different marinates, the high levels of L. monocytogenes survivors found after microwave reheating, especially after storage for more than 2 d, indicate that length of storage and reheating time need to be considered for safe consumption of leftover cooked chicken.     

Staphylococcus aureus Growth and Enterotoxin Production in Mushrooms

An enterotoxin A (SEA) producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated onto mushrooms and incubated under simulated pre-and post-canning conditions. S. aureus grew and produced SEA in mushrooms incubated at 25°C in 10% to 20% NaCl. Growth and SEA production occurred when mushrooms were stored in plastic bags at 37°C, but not at 25°C. Mushrooms heat-processed at 121.1°C supported S. aureus growth and SEA production. No SEA was recovered from mushrooms inoculated with 1 or 10 ng SEA/g and heated at 121.1°C for 4.5 min. At higher inoculated SEA levels (100 and 1,000 ng/g), SEA was detectable after 10 min of heating. Staphylococcal enterotoxin could be present in canned mushrooms as a result of pre-, but more likely post-processing contamination.     

Storage Temperature Effect on Histamine Formation in Big Eye Tuna and Skipjack

Notable histamine formation (>30 mg/100g) was detected in big eye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) captured in Azorean waters and stored for 1,3 and 6 days at 22,10 and 4°C, respectively. Higher levels (p<0.05) of histamine were produced by skipjack reflecting its higher histidine content. Measurements of pH or volatile basic nitrogen were not adequate for estimating the extent of histamine-related health hazard. Counts of histamine-forming bacteria increased during storage at 4 and 10°C, and histamine formation was suppressed at 4°C. Storage temperature and histidine content were the main factors controlling histamine levels in tuna.     

Ultrasonication and Fresh Produce (Cos lettuce) Preservation

Washing Cos lettuce in various sanitizers at different concentrations with and without ultrasonication (40 KHz) reduced the microbiological counts by 1 to 2.5 log colony‐forming units (CFU)/g immediately after washing. Ultrasonication of Cos lettuce in water, chlorinated water, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and their combinations at various temperatures (4 °C, 20 °C, 35 °C, 47 °C, and 50 °C) had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on the total or the psychrophilic counts during storage at 10 °C. The total count in Cos lettuce reached 9.74 ± 0.035 log CFU/g after ultrasonication (2 min at 50 °C) in chlorinated water (100 mg/L) and storage for 6 d at 10 °C. Extending the ultrasonication (40 kHz) of Cos lettuce for up to 20 min did not improve the bactericidal effect of ultrasonication. However, long‐time ultrasonication (20 min) caused significant (P < 0.05) damage to the quality of Cos lettuce tissues.     

Effect of Product Dimensions and Surface Browning Method on Salmonella Contamination in Frozen,Surface‐Browned,Breaded Chicken Products Treated with Antimicrobials

Not‐ready‐to‐eat breaded chicken products formulated with antimicrobial ingredients were tested for the effect of sample dimensions, surface browning method and final internal sample temperature on inoculated Salmonella populations. Fresh chicken breast meat portions (5 × 5 × 5 cm), inoculated with Salmonella (7‐strain mixture; 5 log CFU/g), were mixed with (5% v/w total moisture enhancement) (i) distilled water (control), (ii) caprylic acid (CAA; 0.0625%) and carvacrol (CAR; 0.075%), (iii) CAA (0.25%) and ε‐polylysine (POL; 0.5%), (iv) CAR (0.15%) and POL (0.5%), or (v) CAA (0.0625%), CAR (0.075%) and POL (0.5%). Sodium chloride (1.2%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (0.3%) were added to all treatments. The mixtures were then ground and formed into 9 × 5 × 3 cm (150 g) or 9 × 2.5 × 2 cm (50 g) portions. The products were breaded, browned in (i) an oven (208 °C, 15 min) or (ii) deep fryer (190 °C, 15 s), packaged, and stored at –20 °C (8 d). Overall, maximum internal temperatures of 62.4 ± 4.0 °C (9 × 2.5 × 2 cm) and 46.0 ± 3.0 °C (9 × 5 × 3 cm) were reached in oven‐browned samples, and 35.0 ± 1.1 °C (9 × 2.5 × 2 cm) and 31.7 ± 2.6 °C (9 × 5 × 3 cm) in fryer‐browned samples. Irrespective of formulation treatment, total (after frozen storage) reductions of Salmonella were greater (P < 0.05) for 9 × 2.5 × 2 cm oven‐browned samples (3.8 to at least 4.6 log CFU/g) than for 9 × 5 × 3 cm oven‐browned samples (0.7 to 2.5 log CFU/g). Product dimensions did not (P ≥ 0.05) affect Salmonella reductions (0.6 to 2.8 log CFU/g) in fryer‐browned samples. All antimicrobial treatments reduced Salmonella to undetectable levels (<0.3 log CFU/g) in oven‐browned 9 × 2.5 × 2 cm samples. Overall, the data may be useful for the selection of antimicrobials, product dimensions, and surface browning methods for reducing Salmonella contamination.     

The effect of temperature abuse on Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonellae in raw beef and chicken substrates during frozen storage

Raw beef and chicken substrates inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and two serotypes of Salmonella were subjected to severe temperature abuse at intervals during six months frozen storage at ?18°C. A method was developed for enumeration of freeze-damaged Salmonellae in a mixed population. After 24 h S. hadar in chicken at c 20 or 27°C, increased by 2·87 and 5·40 log cycles respectively. In beef, S. typhimurium increased by 1·80 and 2·93 log cycles. Refreezing thawed samples reduced the Salmonellae by up to 99%. Growth of St. aureus during thawing was generally slight in comparison but there was little change in viable counts on refreezing. Substantial growth of St. aureus occurred in chicken at 27°C. Some samples were assayed for staphylococcal enterotoxin A but this was not detected in samples containing St. aureus at c 10⁷ cfu.g^?1. Growth of natural saprophytes had caused obvious spoilage by 24 h of thawing.     

流化冰保鲜对鲣鱼蛋白质功能特性的影响

为探索流化冰对冰鲜水产品保鲜效果,以鲣鱼鱼肉为研究对象,以传统碎块冰保鲜为对照,探讨流化冰处理对鲣鱼肌肉蛋白质功能特性影响。结果表明：1）流化冰冰粒子呈球形,外表光滑、单位表面积大且流动性能好,8 min内可将鱼肉整体温度由35 ℃降低至1.3 ℃;2）－4 ℃贮藏18 d后,流化冰保鲜处理的鱼肉弹性和咀嚼性依次为1.19 mm和5.50 mJ,而空白（不加冰）、淡水碎块冰组分别为0.67 mm和1.65 mJ、0.95 mm和3.32 mJ,可见流化冰对鱼肉质构特性保持效果显著（P＜0.05）;3）0～18 d贮藏期内,不同处理鲣鱼肌原纤维蛋白含量、Ca2＋-ATPase活性及总巯基含量均呈逐渐下降趋势,其中以流化冰处理对鲣鱼蛋白质功能特性的保持效果最佳;此外,流化冰保鲜还兼具有抑制鱼肉氧合肌红蛋白自动氧化、维持肌肉原有色泽的作用。流化冰处理显著保持了鲣鱼肌肉组织的质构和相关蛋白质功能特性,可满足冰鲜水产品远洋、长距离运输和保鲜贮藏要求。     

Rapid Near Infrared Spectroscopic Method for the Detection of Spoilage in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillet

The possibility of using visible and short‐wavelength near‐infrared (SW‐NIR: 600 to 1100 nm) spectroscopy to detect the onset of spoilage and to quantify microbial loads in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was investigated. Spectra were acquired on the skin and flesh side of intact trout fillet portions and on minced trout muscle samples stored at 4 °C for up to 8 d or at room temperature (21 °C) for 24 h. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) chemometric models were developed to predict the onset and degree of spoilage. PCA results showed clear segregation between the control (day 1) and the samples held 4 d or longer at 4 °C. Clear segregation was observed for samples stored 10 h or longer at 21 °C compared with the control (0 h), indicating that onset of spoilage could be detected with this method. Quantitative PLS prediction models for microbial loads were established. For trout fillets, 4 °C: R= 0.97, standard error of prediction (SEP) = 0.38 log colony‐forming units (CFU)/g (flesh side); R= 0.94, SEP = 0.53 log CFU/g (skin side); R= 0.82, SEP = 0.82 log CFU/g for minced fish held at 21 °C. These results indicate that SW‐NIR in combination with multivariate statistical methods can be used to detect and monitor the spoilage process in rainbow trout and quantify microbial loads rapidly and accurately.