Microbiological,chemical and sensory changes of whole and filleted Mediterranean aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored in ice

The effect of filleting on the microbiological, chemical and sensory properties of aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored in ice was studied. Pseudomonads, H₂S‐producing bacteria (including Shewanella putrefaciens) and Brochothrix thermosphacta were the dominant bacteria at the end of the 16 day storage period in ice for both whole ungutted and filleted sea bass. Enterobacteriaceae were also found in the spoilage microflora of whole ungutted and filleted sea bass, but their counts were always lower than those of pseudomonads, H₂S‐producing bacteria (including S putrefaciens) and B thermosphacta. Total viable counts for whole ungutted sea bass were always lower than those for filleted sea bass samples. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, TMA (trimethylamine) values of whole ungutted sea bass increased very slowly, whereas significantly higher values were obtained for filleted samples, with respective values of 0.253 and 1.515 mg N per 100 g muscle being reached at the end of their shelf‐life (days 13 and 9 respectively). TVB‐N (total volatile basic nitrogen) values showed a slight increase for whole ungutted sea bass during storage, reaching a value of 26.77 mg N per 100 g muscle (day 13), whereas for filleted fish a corresponding value of 26.88 mg N per 100 g muscle was recorded (day 9). TBA (thiobarbituric acid) values increased slowly for whole ungutted and filleted sea bass samples throughout the entire storage period, reaching final values of 4.48 (day 13) and 13.84 (day 9) mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 respectively. Sensory assessment of raw fish using the EC freshness scale gave a grade E for up to 5 days for whole ungutted sea bass, a grade A for a further 4 days and a grade B for an additional 4 days, after which sea bass was graded as C (unfit). Overall acceptability scores for odour, taste and texture of cooked whole ungutted and filleted sea bass decreased with increasing time of storage. The results of this study indicate that the shelf‐life of sea bass stored in ice, as determined by overall acceptability sensory scores and microbiological data, is 8–9 days for filleted and 12–13 days for whole ungutted fish. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Modified atmosphere packaging of filleted rainbow trout

Shelf‐lives of filleted rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) packaged in over‐wrap, vacuum and gas mixture conditions and stored at 1 ± 1 °C were compared by measurement of pH, total volatile bases (TVB), hypoxanthine content, lipid oxidation (TBARS value), superficial counts of aerobic psychrotrophic flora and sensory analysis (colour, odour and flavour). The gas mixtures evaluated were 10% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 40% N₂, 10% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 40% Ar, 20% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 30% N₂, 20% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 30% Ar, 30% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 20% N₂ and 30% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 20% Ar. Sensory quality deterioration was delayed and bacterial growth as well as increases in pH, TVB and hypoxanthine levels were reduced by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Lipid oxidation was higher in gas packages with 20 and 30% O₂ than in those with 10% O₂. Vacuum‐packed fillets presented the lowest TBARS values. In summary, MAP gave rise to a significant extension of shelf‐life when compared with vacuum and over‐wrap packaging. No significant differences were found between the packages containing either N₂ or Ar. The best evaluated atmosphere consisted of 10% O₂ + 50%CO₂ + 40% N₂/Ar. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microbiological, chemical and sensory assessment of (I) whole ungutted, (II) whole gutted and (III) filleted tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during refrigerated storage

The effects of gutting and filleting on microbiological, chemical, and sensory properties of tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) stored under refrigeration were studied. All the tilapia samples were analysed periodically for microbiological (APC), chemical (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, 2-thiobarbituricacid, K -value), and sensory characteristics. Results indicated that sensory data were in good agreement with microbiological data (APC rejection limit of 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹) and K -value (rejection limit of 60%). Storage life of (I) whole ungutted, (II) whole gutted and (III) filleted tilapia stored under refrigeration (5 ± 1 °C) can be expected to be 12, 10, and 6 days, respectively.     

Relation of biogenic amines with microbial and sensory changes of whole and filleted freshwater rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) stored on ice

The biogenic amine (BA) content of whole and filleted rainbow trout was monitored during ice storage for a period of 18 days and related to respective microbial and sensorial changes occurring during the same period. Eight amines, namely, putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, spermidine, tryptamine, beta-phenylethylamine, spermine, and histamine, were determined. Agmatine was not detected in any of the fish samples. In all cases, concentration of BAs was higher (P < 0.05) in filleted compared with whole trout samples. Pseudomonads, H2S-producing bacteria, and, to a lesser extent, Enterobacteriaceae were the dominant microorganisms in both whole and filleted trout. Higher populations (P < 0.05) of these microorganisms were present in filleted trout compared with whole fish samples. Of the BAs determined, concentration of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, tryptamine, and beta-phenylethylamine increased steeply in both whole and filleted trout between days 15 and 18 of storage when pseudomonads and H2S-producing bacteria reached approximately 10(6) to 10(7) CFU/g. For the rest of the BAs, including tyramine, histamine, and spermine, a stepwise increase was recorded throughout the entire storage period. Interestingly, Enterobacteriaceae counts remained below 10(6) throughout the entire storage period, accounting for the lower production of histamine. A putrescine value of 13 to 14 mg/kg and a spermidine value of approximately 7 mg/kg for both the whole and filleted trout obtained after 12 and 9 days, respectively, may be proposed as the upper limit for spoilage initiation (freshness indicator) of fresh rainbow trout based on sensorial and microbiological (total viable count of 10(6) to 10(7)) data. With respect to other amines determined, both tyramine and spermine may also be proposed as freshness indicators preferably for whole trout, whereas tryptamine, beta-phenylethylamine, histamine, and cadaverine produced only during later stages of storage are not suitable as freshness indicators of either whole or filleted trout.     

Effect of Salvia officinalis L. extract on chemical,microbial, sensory and shelf life of rainbow trout fillet

Food Science and Biotechnology - The present study aimed at extending shelf life of rainbow trout fillet. Fish and seafoods are the most valuable nutrients, however, high levels of moisture, free...     

Pasteurization of rainbow trout roe: Listeria monocytogenes and sensory analyses

D- and z-values for a mixture of four Listeria monocytogenes strains originating from the roe of different fish species were determined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) roe. The D60- and D63-values obtained were 1.60 and 0.44 min, respectively, and the z-value was 5.36 degrees C accordingly. In pilot-scale experiments, rainbow trout roe (100 g) was vacuum packaged into glass jars and pasteurized both at 62 and 65 degrees C for 10 min. These treatments were enough to destroy 10(8) CFU/ g of L. monocytogenes cells, which was the highest possible Listeria cell count to grow in roe. On the basis of the determined z-value and calculation of pasteurization values, these experimental pasteurizations were found to theoretically destroy at least 45 log units of L. monocytogenes cells in rainbow trout roe. In addition, these pasteurization treatments did not significantly affect the sensory quality of the roe. The sensory quality of pasteurized vacuum-packaged rainbow trout roe stored at 3 degrees C was evaluated as good after 6 months of storage and not statistically different from the control that was frozen from the same roe lot as the pasteurized roe samples. Pasteurization of rainbow trout roe was proven to be an appropriate method for ensuring product safety with regard to L. monocytogenes and to stabilizing the sensory and microbial quality of roe. However, the safety risk caused by spore-forming bacteria still exists in pasteurized roe. Therefore, it has to be stored below 3 degrees C.     

Effect of gamma irradiation and frozen storage on chemical and sensory characteristics of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillet

The present study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of low‐dose gamma irradiation (1, 3 and 5 kGy) and frozen storage (5 months at ?20 °C) on chemical and sensory characteristics of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillet. Our statistical analysis showed that irradiation process and frozen storage time had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on total volatile nitrogen (TVN), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and pH. The level of all of these factors increased with increasing frozen storage time. At the end of the fifth month of frozen storage, the lowest and the highest level of TVN, PV and TBA were corresponding to the irradiated samples at 3 and 5 kGy, respectively. In terms of the overall acceptability of their texture, odour, colour and taste, irradiated samples at 3 kGy had the best quality and remained acceptable after 5 months frozen storage. The optimum dose of gamma radiation of rainbow trout fillets according to chemical and sensory analysis was obtained at 3 kGy.     

A practical quality index method (QIM) developed for aquacultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Quality index method (QIM) was developed for whole (W) and gutted (G) rainbow trout during ice storage. Draft schemes were modified and final schemes consisted of 30 and 15 demerit points, and 12 and 14 days of shelf life was found for whole and gutted rainbow trout, respectively. Linear regression was calculated with storage time and correlation of QI scores was found to be 0.98 and 0.99 for W and G samples, respectively. Moreover, the developed QIM for W and G rainbow trout with this study is a nondestructive and rapid method for the sensory evaluation of rainbow trout.     

Effect of delayed icing on quality changes of iced rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss)

The effect of delayed icing on quality deterioration of rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) iced 0, 4 and 8 h after catch was assessed by chemical, microbiological and sensory methods. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values increased during the pre-icing duration. Delayed icing led to significant increased (p < 0.05) in total viable counts (TVC) throughout the period of storage. This study showed that sensory analysis of rainbow trout correlated well with microbiological analysis. Results of this study according microbiological and sensory data indicated that the shelf-life of rainbow trout stored in ice immediately after catch was approximately 9–11 days, while delay in icing for 4 and 8 h shortened the shelf-life was around 5–7 and 1–3 days, respectively.     

Bacterial microflora of wild brown trout (Salmo trutta), wild pike (Esox lucius), and aquacultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Initial numbers of bacteria associated with wild (brown trout and pike) and cultured (rainbow trout) freshwater fish as well as with the water in which they were caught were determined. Subsequently, a total of 979 randomly selected isolates were characterized and identified to the genus level. For all counts performed (aerobes, psychrotrophs, anaerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, and enterococci), no significant differences were observed in water samples, the highest level corresponding to psychrotrophs in pike environments (4.23 X 10(3) CFU/ml). Overall, the skin and intestinal content of brown trout were the most contaminated, while rainbow trout specimens (gills and gut) yielded the lowest numbers. For all bacterial groups, pike gills had the highest numbers. Counts for all of the sampling sites compare well with findings in other temperate geographical environments. Biological characteristics (feeding and skin properties) and the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture might have influenced these results. Motile and nonmotile aerobic gram-negative bacteria together with Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 50 to 70% of the psychrotrophs isolated from water. Micrococcaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus, and coryneforms were also found. The groups represented in psychrotrophic isolates from the outer surfaces do not reflected those detected in water, so it was common that those organisms recovered in significant numbers from fish were not detected in surrounding habitat of the fish. Motile aeromonads and Carnobacterium were the dominant psychrotrophs in the guts of pike and brown trout, respectively. The intestinal content of reared fish gave a high incidence of Bacillus and coryneforms, while Enterobacteriaceae was absent. Again, rearing practices could have influenced this finding. Listeria monocytogenes was not detected in any of the examined samples. Two strains of Salmonella, which belonged to the same serovar and lysotype, were recovered from pond-water samples taken from one facility on different sampling days. From the gut of a pike specimen and from the pike's environment, two Plesiomonas shigelloides strains of different serovars were recovered. These latter four strains were resistant to a considerable number of antimicrobial compounds (multiple antibiotic resistance indices > 0.2).     

Effect of gutting on microbiological,chemical, and sensory properties of aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored in ice

The effect of gutting on microbiological, chemical, and sensory properties of aqua-cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored in ice was studied. Pseudomonads and H₂S-producing bacteria (including Shewanella putrefaciens) were the dominant bacteria at the end of the 16-day storage period in ice for both whole ungutted and gutted sea bass. Brochothrix thermosphacta and Enterobacteriaceae were also found in the spoilage microflora of ungutted and gutted sea bass but their counts were always less than those of Pseudomonads and H₂S-producing bacteria. Bacterial counts of whole ungutted sea bass were always higher than those obtained for gutted sea bass samples. Mesophilic counts for gutted and ungutted fish exceeded 7 log cfu g⁻¹ after 9 and 15 days of ice storage, respectively. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, TMA values of ungutted sea bass increased very slowly whereas for gutted samples higher values were obtained reaching a final value of 0.73 and 4.39 mg N 100 g⁻¹, respectively (day 16). TVB-N values showed no significant increase for whole ungutted sea bass during storage reaching a value of 27.7 mg N 100 g⁻¹ (day 16) whereas for gutted fish 36.9 mg N 100 g⁻¹ was recorded. TBA values remained low for ungutted sea bass samples until day 16 of storage, whereas for gutted fish were variable. Of the chemical indices used, none proved useful means of monitoring early ungutted and gutted sea bass freshness in ice. Sensory assessment using the EC freshness scale gave a grade E for up to 5 days for the ungutted sea bass, a grade A for a further 2 days and a grade B for an additional 4 days, after which sea bass was graded as C (unfit). Gutted sea bass was given a grade E for up to 3 days, a grade A for the 4–7th days, and a grade B for the 8–10th days of storage, whereas on day 11 it was graded as unfit. Acceptability scores for odor, taste and texture of cooked ungutted and gutted sea bass decreased with time of storage. Results of this study indicate that the shelf-life of whole ungutted and gutted sea bass stored in ice as determined by the overall acceptability sensory scores and microbiological data is 13 and 8 days, respectively.     

Preservation of iced refrigerated sea bream (Sparus aurata) by irradiation: microbiological, chemical and sensory attributes

Quality and shelf life of non-irradiated and irradiated (2.5 and 5 kGy) sea bream in ice conditions and stored at +4 °C were investigated by measurement of microbiological, chemical and sensory analysis. Microbial counts for non-irradiated sea bream samples were higher than respective irradiated fish. Total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) values increased value of 38.64 mg/100 g for non-irradiated, sea bream during iced storage whereas for irradiated fish lower values of 13.48 and 12.06 mg/100 g were recorded at 2.5 and 5 kGy, respectively (day 19). Trimethylamine (TMA-N) values and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for irradiated samples were lower than non-irradiated samples. Acceptability scores for odour, taste and texture of cooked decreased with storage time. The sensory scores of sea bream stored in control and 2.5–5 kGy at +4 °C were 13 and 15 days, respectively. The results obtained from this study showed that the shelf life of sea bream stored in ice, as determined by overall acceptability all data, is 13 days for non-irradiated sea bream and 15 days for 2.5 kGy irradiated and 17 days for 5 kGy irradiated sea bream.     

Microbiological and technological parameters impacting the chemical composition and sensory quality of kombucha

Kombucha is a beverage made from sugared tea transformed by yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. Being originally homemade, it has become an industrially produced soft drink whose quality standards are poorly defined and whose production process is still not fully controlled. Based on current knowledge in beverages, links between kombucha's chemical composition and sensorial compounds are drawn. Macromolecules create turbidity, whereas uncharacterized tea pigments derivatives participate in the color. Residual sugars bring sweetness and organic acids produced by acetic acid bacteria form its characteristic sour taste. Acetic acid is also part of its aroma profile, although little data are available on the smell of kombucha. Carbon dioxide, potentially polyphenols, and residual ethanol are involved in the mouthfeel. In this review, after defining the key compounds that shape the characteristic sensory properties of kombucha, the impact of different production parameters is discussed. Water composition is determinant in the extraction of tea compounds along with the tea type and infusion duration and temperature. The type and amount of sweeteners play a role in the sweetness and influences the production kinetics. Similarly, the amount of inoculum and its microbial composition have an effect on the production, but the role of the vessels' geometry and temperature are also essential parameters that can be used to adjust the acidification phase's duration. Despite the amount of research carried out, further investigations of kombucha's sensory characteristics are needed. Such research could lead to a better definition of kombucha's quality and to an improved control over its production process.     

Effect of Lactobacillus cultures on microbiological,chemical and odour changes during storage of rainbow trout fillets

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of applying two Lactobacillus protective cultures on microbiological, chemical and odour changes during storage of refrigerated vacuum‐packed rainbow trout (Oncorrynchus mykiss) fillets. Lactobacillus sakei CECT 4808 and Lb. curvatus CECT 904^T were inoculated individually or in combination into rainbow trout fillets. The samples were vacuum‐packed and stored at 4 ± 0.5 °C and were assessed during a 20‐day storage period for microbiological (Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), H₂S‐producing bacteria, yeasts and moulds) and chemical (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, lipid oxidation) parameters and off‐odour. Samples inoculated with Lb. sakei and with both strains had significantly (P≤0.05) lower counts of all microbiological spoilage indicator organisms (Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., H₂S‐producing bacteria, yeasts and moulds) than those inoculated with Lb. curvatus or the controls. All chemical parameters examined and off‐odour scores were also significantly (P≤0.05) improved in the samples inoculated with Lb. sakei or with both strains compared with those inoculated with Lb. curvatus or the controls. Lb. sakei generally showed a better preservative effect (P≤0.05) than the combination of strains. Inoculation with Lb. sakei CECT 4808 could provide an additional hurdle to improve shelf‐life of refrigerated vacuum‐packaged trout fillets, as inoculation with this strain resulted in extension of shelf‐life by 5 days. Furthermore, this strain showed some antioxidative ability, which could retard lipid oxidation in fish. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of modified atmosphere and vacuum packaging on microbial,chemical and sensory quality indicators of fresh,filleted Sardina pilchardus at 3 °C

The self‐life, quality and safety of refrigerated sardine fillets (Sardina pilchardus) were determined at 3 °C in atmospheric air, vacuum and modified atmosphere (50% CO₂/50% N₂) packaging conditions. Microbiological, physico‐chemical and sensory parameters were utilised as quality indicators. The microbial flora of sardine comprised—according to order of occurrence—Shewanella putrefaciens, pseudomonads, Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria and, finally, Enterobacteriaceae. Bacteria grew most quickly in sardines stored in air, followed by those in vacuum packaging, and the lowest counts were found in modified atmosphere packaging. The concentrations of moisture, ash, protein, fat and polyunsaturated fatty acids were not affected during the storage period compared to the pH values and the concentrations of lactate and ammonia that showed significant differences. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nitrogen stunning of rainbow trout

This study examined the use of nitrogen gas for stunning of Rainbow Trout. It was found that nitrogen could be used as an effective stunning method and that the strong aversive reaction reported for carbon dioxide stunning was not observed. Measurement of ATP, its metabolites and pH were carried out to evaluate the effects of nitrogen stunning on post mortem muscle biochemistry. This treatment was compared to percussive stunning and air asphyxiation. Post mortem ATP levels in nitrogen stunned fish (1.96 ± 0.36 μmol g^?1) were significantly higher than for asphyxiated fish (0.2 ± 0.11 μmol g^?1) but lower than values for percussively stunned fish (5.9 ± 0.89 μmol g^?1). This work indicates that the use of gasses other than carbon dioxide for stunning of fish deserves further study.     

Relating instrumental texture, determined by variable-blade and Allo-Kramer shear attachments, to sensory analysis of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fillets

Texture is one of the most important quality attributes of fish fillets, and accurate assessment of variation in this attribute, as affected by storage and handling, is critical in providing consistent quality product. Trout fillets received 4 treatments: 3-d refrigeration (R3), 7-d refrigeration (R7), 3-d refrigeration followed by 30-d frozen storage (R3F30), and 7-d refrigeration followed by 30-d frozen storage (R7F30). Instrumental texture of raw and cooked fillets was determined by 3 approaches: 5-blade Allo-Kramer (AK) and variable-blade (VB) attachment with 12 blades arranged in perpendicular (PER) and parallel (PAR) orientations to muscle fibers. Correlation between instrumental texture and sensory hardness, juiciness, elasticity, fatness, and coarseness was determined. Muscle pH remained constant at 6.54 to 6.64. Raw fillets lost 3.66% of their original weight after 30-d frozen storage. After cooking, weight loss further increased to 15.97%. Moisture content decreased from 69.11 to 65.02%, while fat content remained constant at 10.41%. VBPER detected differences in muscle sample strength (P= 0.0019) and demonstrated effect of shear direction reported as maximum force (g force/g sample). AKPER detected differences in energy of shear (g × mm; P= 0.0001). Fillets that received F30 treatments were less extensible. Cooking increased muscle strength and toughness. Force determined by VBPER was correlated with sensory hardness (r= 0.423, P= 0.0394) and cook loss (r= 0.412, P= 0.0450). VB attachment is accurate, valid, and less destructive in fillet texture analysis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A new shearing device was validated with sensory analysis. Settings and parameters obtained could be used to define fillet texture quality associated with muscle fiber orientation.     

Effect of carotenoids from red pepper and marigold flower on pigmentation,sensory properties and fatty acid composition of rainbow trout

Effects of carotenoid sources on pigmentation, sensory properties and fatty acid composition of rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. The fish (120.51 ± 0.75 g) were fed with diets containing 1.8% marigold flower, 5% red pepper, 70 mg kg⁻¹ commercial astaxanthin and compared with a control group for 60 days. Commercial astaxanthin provided the highest carotenoid accumulation in the fish, and this was followed by red pepper and marigold flower (p < 0.05). Dietary carotenoid sources did not significantly affect fatty acid composition of the fish fillets. Trout muscle coloured with commercial astaxanthin was more preferred than the others by the sensory panellists.