Inhibition of chemical changes related to freshness loss during storage of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in slurry ice

Slurry ice is a biphasic system consisting of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater at subzero temperature. Its employment was evaluated in the present work as a new chilled storage method for whole horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and compared with traditional flake icing. Different chemical analyses (nucleotide degradation, lipid hydrolysis and oxidation, interaction compounds formation and electrophoretic protein profiles) related to quality loss were checked and compared to sensory evaluation. An inhibitory effect on quality loss mechanisms was observed for the slurry ice treatment, according to the assessment of the K value, free fatty acid content, thiobarbituric acid index, fluorescent compounds formation and sarcoplasmic protein profiles. The sensory analysis showed a higher shelf-life time for fish treated under slurry icing than for flake iced fish (15 and 5 days, respectively). Results confirm the practical advantages of using slurry ice as a chilling storage method. According to the inhibition of lipid hydrolysis and oxidation obtained, the employment of slurry ice on relatively fat fish species is recommended to obtain safer and higher quality fish products.     

Effects of storage in slurry ice on the microbial,chemical and sensory quality and on the shelf life of farmed turbot (Psetta maxima)

The application of slurry ice, a binary mixture of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater at subzero temperature, is a potentially new preservation method for farmed turbot (Psetta maxima), a flat fish species of increasing commercial interest. Comparative biochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses were carried on turbot specimens stored in either slurry ice or flake ice for up to 40 days. The results obtained in the sensory analysis correlated well with the observed chemical and microbial changes. Storage of turbot in slurry ice resulted in a slowing-down of the nucleotide degradation pathway and lipid oxidation mechanisms. A good stabilisation of the high molecular weight protein fraction of turbot muscle was also achieved as a consequence of storage in slurry ice. A slower production of both trimethylamine and total volatile bases was also observed. Likewise, low levels of total aerobes, anaerobes, coliforms, and proteolytic bacteria were attained. The application of slurry ice to farmed turbot is advisable to achieve better quality maintenance during storage and distribution.     

Rancidity development in frozen pelagic fish: Influence of slurry ice as preliminary chilling treatment

The slurry ice technology has shown profitable advantages when employed instead of traditional flake ice for the manufacture of chilled aquatic species. The present work is aimed at evaluating the effect of slurry ice as a preliminary treatment prior to frozen storage. For it, specimens of a small pelagic fatty fish species (sardine; Sardina pilchardus) were stored in slurry ice for 2, 5 and 9 days, then subjected to freezing (-80 °C; 24 h) and finally kept frozen (−20 °C) during 1, 2 and 4 months. At such times, rancidity development in frozen sardine was measured by sensory (odour, skin, colour and flesh appearance) and biochemical (lipid hydrolysis and oxidation) analyses and compared to a control batch previously chilled in flake ice. Sensory analysis indicated an extended shelf-life time for frozen sardine that was preliminary stored under slurry ice for 2, 5 or 9 days, as compared to their counterparts subjected to flake icing. Sensory results were corroborated (P<0.05) by biochemical lipid oxidation indices (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the fluorescence formation). The present work opens the way to the use of slurry ice instead of flake ice as preliminary treatment of fish material prior to the frozen storage.     

Quality retention during the chilled distribution of farmed turbot (Psetta maxima): effect of a primary slurry ice treatment

The quality and shelf‐life of chilled farmed turbot (Psetta maxima) was evaluated by sensory, microbiological and biochemical procedures after being subjected to a two‐step refrigeration storage in slurry ice and flake ice, respectively. Turbot specimens were stored for 10 or 17 days in slurry ice, and then were transferred to flake ice for 1–3 days to simulate the sale conditions in the market. The results were compared with control batches stored only in flake ice and processed in parallel. Storage of turbot in the two‐step strategy resulted in a better maintenance of sensory quality, especially with regard to its mucus production and gill odour development, better control of microbial activity, especially of aerobes, and the slowing down of some biochemical degradation mechanisms such as the nucleotide degradation pathway and trimethylamine production. As a consequence, the shelf‐life was extended significantly. From these results it can be concluded that the refrigerated transport of farmed turbot in slurry ice enhances its shelf‐life, before its transfer into flake ice in the retail market.     

On-board quality preservation of megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) by a novel ozonised-slurry ice system

The use of a combined ozonised-slurry ice system was investigated as a new refrigeration system for the on-board storage of megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis), a fish species that is usually stored aboard fishing vessels for 1 to 2 weeks. The time elapsed between the catch and unloading at the harbour affects its quality and commercial value directly. Microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses were carried out in megrim after 2 weeks of on-board storage in ozonised slurry ice, slurry ice or flake ice, and for an additional period of 6 days. Sensory analyses revealed that megrim specimens stored in ozonised slurry ice (oSI₆₀₀ batch) maintained A quality even after 20 days of storage, while counterpart batches stored in flake ice showed B quality at unloading, after 14 days of on-board storage. Storage in ozonised slurry ice (oSI₆₀₀ batch) also led to significantly (p<0.05) lower counts of aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and proteolytic microorganisms in megrim muscle as compared with flake ice. Biochemical analyses revealed that the use of ozonised-slurry ice or slurry ice alone slowed down the formation of total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine-nitrogen (TMA-N) in comparison with storage in flake ice, also allowing a better control of pH. Lipid hydrolysis and oxidation events also occurred at a lower rate in the ozonised-slurry ice and slurry ice batches than in the flake ice batch. The present study demonstrates that the combination of slurry ice and ozone for the on-board storage of megrim is advisable, thus improving the quality and extending the shelf life of this fish species.     

Effect of slurry ice on chemical changes related to quality loss during European Hake (Merluccius merluccius) chilled storage

Slurry ice is a biphasic system consisting of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater at subzero temperature. Its employment was evaluated in the present work as a new chilled storage method for whole European Hake (Merluccius merluccius) and compared to traditional flake icing. Different chemical analyses (nucleotide degradation, formaldehyde formation, lipid hydrolysis and oxidation, interaction compound formation, and electrophoretic protein profiles) related to quality changes were analysed and compared to sensory evaluation. An inhibitory effect on quality loss mechanisms was observed for the slurry ice treatment, according to nucleotide degradation (K value), free formaldehyde content, browning development, and sarcoplasmic protein profiles. No differences in lipid hydrolysis and oxidation could be distinguished by a comparison between both icing conditions. The sensory analysis showed a higher shelf-life time for slurry icing than flake icing (12 days and 5 days, respectively). Results confirm the practical advantages of using slurry ice as a chilled storage method.     

Sensory,microbial and chemical effects of a slurry ice system on horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)

Slurry ice, a biphasic system consisting of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater, was evaluated in parallel with flake ice for the storage of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). Storage in slurry ice led to a significant enhancement of shelf life (5 days for flake ice to 15 days for slurry ice), better control of pH and lower counts of total aerobes and proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria, these reaching an average difference between batches of 2, 1.43 and 1.98 log units respectively after 8 days of storage. Storage in slurry ice also involved a significantly slower formation of total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine after 8 days of storage. Staphylococcus xylosus and Proteus penneri were identified as the leading proteolytic and lipolytic organisms in horse mackerel muscle. Storage of horse mackerel in slurry ice enhances the shelf life of this medium‐fat fish species through better maintenance of sensory and microbiological quality. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of storage in ozonised slurry ice on the sensory and microbial quality of sardine (Sardina pilchardus)

The use of slurry ice, both alone and in combination with ozone, as compared with traditional flake ice was investigated as a new refrigeration system for the storage of sardine (Sardina pilchardus). Microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses were carried out throughout a storage period of 22 days. According to sensory analyses, sardine specimens stored in ozonised slurry ice had a shelf life of 19 days, while counterpart batches stored in slurry ice or flake ice had shelf lives of 15 and 8 days, respectively. Storage in ozonised slurry ice led to significantly lower counts of aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophic bacteria, anaerobes, coliforms, and both lipolytic and proteolytic microorganisms in sardine muscle, and of surface counts of mesophiles and psychrotrophic bacteria in sardine skin as compared with the slurry ice and the flake ice batches. In all cases, the slurry ice batch also exhibited significantly lower microbial counts, both in muscle and skin, than the flake ice batch. Chemical parameters revealed that the use of slurry ice slowed down the formation of TVB-N and TMA-N to a significant extent in comparison with storage in flake ice. A combination of slurry ice with ozone also allowed a better control of pH and TMA-N formation as compared with slurry ice alone. This work demonstrates that the combined use of slurry ice and ozone for the storage of sardine can be recommended to improve the quality and extend the shelf life of this fish species.     

Evaluation of an ozone–slurry ice combined refrigeration system for the storage of farmed turbot (Psetta maxima)

The use of ozonised slurry ice was investigated as a new refrigeration system for the storage of farmed turbot (Psetta maxima). With this purpose in mind, an ozone generator device was coupled to a slurry ice system working subzero at −1.5 °C. The ozone concentration was adjusted to a redox potential of 700 mV, and the slurry ice biphasic mixture was prepared at a 40% ice/60% water ratio and 3.3% salinity. Certain biochemical parameters indicative of fish freshness, such as the rate of nucleotide degradation or TMA-N formation, were not significantly affected by the presence of ozone in the slurry ice mixture. However, storage in ozonised slurry ice significantly slowed down the mechanisms responsible for lipid hydrolysis and lipid oxidation in farmed turbot. Storage in ozonised slurry ice also led to significantly (p < 0.05) lower counts of both total aerobes and psychrotrophic bacteria in both turbot muscle and skin, as compared with the control batch stored without ozone. Sensory analyses confirmed an extended shelf life of turbot specimens stored in ozonised slurry ice; these maintaining “A” sensory quality up to day 14, while the counterpart batch stored in slurry ice kept this quality only up to day 7. The combination of ozone and slurry ice may be recommended for the chilling and storage of farmed turbot with a view to extending its shelf-life.     

Effects of using slurry ice on the microbiological, chemical and sensory assessments of aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored at 4 °C

Slurry ice, a biphasic system consisting of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater at subzero temperature, was evaluated as a new chilled storage method for whole sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) a sparidae fish species of remarkable commercial interests. Four different group of chilling methods were used in this study; in slurry ice packaged on board (group A), in slurry ice packaged on company after 2 h (group B), slurry + flake ice packaged on board (group C) and only flake ice packaged on board (group D). The effect of this advanced system at the beginning of storage on quality losses and the shelf-life of aquacultured sea bass was evaluated. Mesophilic counts for sea bass exceeded 7 log cfu/g, which is considered the maximum level for acceptability for freshwater and marine fish after 13 days for groups C and D, and 15 days for groups A and B. At day 15; total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values of groups A–D reached the legal limits (35 mg/100 g set for TVB-N) for consumption. According to the results of sensory analyses, up to day 11, all the groups were determined as ‘acceptable’ but on day 13, the groups A–D were no longer acceptable. The main negative aspect related to quality loss in slurry ice group corresponded to the appearance of eyes and gills. Using slurry ice at the beginning of packaging did not affect the shelf-life of sea bass stored at 4 °C.     

Development of an indirect α-actinin-based immunoassay for the evaluation of protein breakdown and quality loss in fish species subjected to different chilling methods

α‐Actinin release from the myofibrillar protein fraction to the sarcoplasm can be considered as an accurate proteolysis index in seafood muscle. The main objective of the present study was to develop a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), based on the use of a monoclonal antibody against α‐actinin to evaluate the degree of proteolysis in two different chilled fish species – European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and turbot (Psetta maxima) – kept under two different storage systems: flake ice and slurry ice. Comparison with sensory assessment, K‐value and sarcoplasmic protein profiles was carried out. A different degree of proteolysis could be observed in both fish species; thus, the immunoassay was shown to be useful in monitoring the protein degradation events in hake muscle especially under flake ice storage. In the case of turbot, as very low proteolysis development could be obtained, the assay was not suitable for assessing quality changes. A different break point of immunoassay values for each fish species is suggested.     

Comparison of effects of slurry ice and flake ice pretreatments on the quality of aquacultured sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored at 4 °C

Slurry ice, a biphasic system consisting of small particles of spherical ice immersed in seawater at subzero temperature, was evaluated as a new chilled method for whole sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Two types of different chilling methods were used for two species in this study; slurry ice-treated sea bream (Group A), slurry ice-treated sea bass (Group B), flake-ice treated sea bream (Group C) and flake ice-treated sea bass (Group D). The effects of this system on the quality and shelf life of these two species were evaluated. Mesophilic counts for sea bass exceeded 7 log cfu/g, which is considered the maximum level for acceptability for freshwater and marine fish after 13 days for Groups C, D and 15 days for Groups A, B. At day 13, TVB-N values of Groups C, D reached the legal limits (35 mg/100 g set for TVB-N) for consumption. According to the results of sensory analyses, up to day 13, all the Groups were determined as ‘acceptable’ but, on day 15, the Groups A, B, C, D were no longer acceptable. Using slurry ice pretreatment for 2 h before the storage period presumably caused the deleterious effect on appearance as well as salt and water uptake. According to the results of chemical and microbiological analyses, use of slurry ice pretreatment for 2 h extended the shelf life of sea bream and sea bass stored at 4 °C for only two days longer than did use of flake ice.     

Enhanced quality and safety during on-board chilled storage of fish species captured in the Grand Sole North Atlantic fishing bank

The Grand Sole North Atlantic fishing bank is exploited by several European countries, although time lapsed between catch and destiny arrival can attain 15 days. In the present work, the use of slurry ice (SI) system was investigated for the on-board storage of chilled fish and carried out in parallel to traditional flake icing (FI). Three species (hake, Merluccius merluccius; angler, Lophius piscatorius; ray, Raja clavata) widely present in the mentioned bank were studied. A lower (p < 0.05) microbial (aerobes, psychrotrophes, proteolytics) development was observed in fishes subjected to SI system than in their counterpart specimens stored under FI. This correlated with lower (p < 0.05) productions of trimethylamine (hake and angler) and total volatile bases (ray) and extended shelf-life for fish species kept under SI conditions. In summary, on-board employment of SI can provide higher quality and safety products to consumer and allow increased commercial values while unloading and sale.     

Effect of Slurry Ice on the Functional Properties of Proteins Related to Quality Loss during Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Chilled Storage

The effect of slurry ice on the quality of Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) during chilling storage was investigated and compared to flake ice. Slurry ice‐treated samples showed significantly higher springiness and chewiness variables than the blank and flake ice‐treated samples (P < 0.05). The growth of microorganisms in tuna muscle treated with slurry ice was also down significantly (P < 0.05), and the total aerobic counts didn't reach higher scores than 5.0 log CFU/g during the whole chilling storage. Additionally, the myofibrillar protein, Ca²⁺‐ATPase activity, and total sulfydryl (SH) content in muscle treated with slurry ice were all significantly higher than the blank and flake‐iced samples (P < 0.05). This was probably due to the faster cooling, subzero final‐temperature, and larger heat exchange derived from slurry ice. Standard error of mean and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results also confirmed that slurry ice treatment could effectively retard the degradation of myofibrillar proteins and showed a positive effect on the stability of tissue structures.     

Development of different damage pathways in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) stored under different chilling systems

Slurry ice is a biphasic system that has recently shown a number of advantages when employed as a chilling medium for fish species. Its use for a crustacean species of high commercial value, Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), was evaluated in parallel with traditional flake icing. Quality parameters related to microbial spoilage and biochemical breakdown (aerobe and psychrotroph counts, pH, K value, total volatile amines, trimethylamine, free fatty acids and non‐enzymatic browning reactions) were assessed and compared with sensory (carapace, eyes, gills, odour and flesh) acceptability. Storage in slurry ice produced a significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effect on both microbial growth (as determined by aerobes, psychrotrophs and volatile amines) and autolysis breakdown (as determined by K values and the release of free fatty acids) in comparison with the flake ice batch. In contrast, an enhancement effect of slurry ice on carapace browning was observed as a result of enzymatic browning development. Slurry ice batch also showed a more intense non‐enzymatic browning reaction in the lipid extract of the edible flesh. With a view to limiting both browning effects, the incorporation of an anti‐melanosis agent in the liquid phase of the slurry ice system is envisaged. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

流化冰对养殖大黄鱼保鲜效果的研究

为探究流化冰对养殖大黄鱼的保鲜效果和应用可行性,研究流化冰的预冷效果及大黄鱼在贮藏过程中感官品质、质构特性、微生物和化学指标的变化情况。结果表明,流化冰（-1℃）将大黄鱼冷却至0.3℃需42 min,较碎冰（4℃）组冷却至相同温度缩短了65%。在整个贮藏期内,流化冰组大黄鱼的感官评分、硬度和弹性均优于同期的对照组,其菌落总数、大肠菌群、蛋白水解酶微生物、脂肪水解酶微生物、TVB-N值、TBA值、K值均显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。综合分析,流化冰（4、-1℃）处理组的货架期分别为6、12 d,比碎冰组分别延长了3、9 d。本研究结果证明流化冰对大黄鱼预冷和保鲜效果比传统碎冰具有明显优势,可应用于产业实践。     

Effects of using slurry ice during transportation on the microbiological, chemical, and sensory assessments of aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored at 4 degrees C

Slurry ice, a biphasic system consisting of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater at subzero temperature, was evaluated as a new chilled storage method for whole sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) a sparidae fish species of remarkable commercial interests. In this study two different group of chilling methods were used during transportation; in slurry ice packaged (Group A), and flake ice packaged (Group B). The effect of this advanced system during transportation on quality losses and the shelf life of aquacultured sea bass was evaluated. Mesophilic counts for sea bass exceeded 7 log cfu/g, which is considered the maximum level for acceptability for freshwater and marine fish after 13 days for groups A and B. On day 13 TVB-N values of groups A and B, reached the legal limits (35 mg/100 g set for TVB-N) for consumption. According to the results of sensory analyses, up to day 9 all the groups were determined as "acceptable" but on day 13 the groups A and B were no longer acceptable. The main negative aspect related to quality loss in slurry ice group corresponded to the appearance of eyes and gills. Using slurry ice during transportation did not extend the shelf life of sea bass stored at 4 degrees C.     

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。     

Effects of sodium acetate dip treatment and vacuum-packaging on chemical,microbiological, textural and sensory changes of Pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) during chill storage

The effects of sodium acetate dip treatment, followed by vacuum-packaging, on the shelf life of beheaded, scaled and gutted Pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) during chill storage were examined. Sodium acetate (2%, w/v) solution was used for the dip treatment. Pouches (size: 15 × 22 cm) made of 12μ-polyester laminated with 300 gauge low-density polyethylene were used for packing fish. After packing, all the packs were iced with flake ice in the ratio (1:1) fish: ice in an insulated box and were kept in a cold room maintained at 0–2 °C. The control and the treated packs were analysed periodically for chemical (pH, TBA, TMA, TVB-N), microbiological (total viable count), textural and sensory characteristics. Changes in Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriacea and Feacal streptococci were determined for fresh fish and for fish samples at the time of sensory rejection. Air packed samples were found to have a shelf life of about 8 days; vacuum-packed samples were found to be acceptable up to 10 days, whereas sodium acetate-treated vacuum packed samples were found to be acceptable up to 15 days. Thus, vacuum-packaging, in combination with sodium acetate, was found to delay the spoilage, thereby significantly extending the shelf life of Pearlspot at refrigeration temperatures.     

流化冰预冷处理对鲈鱼贮藏期间品质变化的影响

目的：模拟鲈鱼生产流通过程（即预冷、运输、贮藏环节）,以碎冰为对照,研究了流化冰预冷对新鲜 鲈鱼运输期间的控温效果与贮藏期间品质变化的影响。方法：将新鲜鲈鱼随机分组,分别进行流化冰预冷-运输-贮 藏（slurry ice,SI）、流化冰预冷-无冰运输-碎冰贮藏（slurry ice-no ice-crush ice,SNI）与碎冰预冷-运输-贮藏 （CK）3 种流通方式,在贮藏期间定期取样进行感官、理化（pH值、盐度、质构与硫代巴比妥酸值）及微生物 （菌落总数）指标测定,并结合扫描电子显微镜与聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳分析,综合评价其鲜度变化。结果：流化冰 在1.0～1.5 h内将鲈鱼中心温度降至0 ℃,鱼体终温为－1.1 ℃,降温速率显著高于碎冰预冷处理。在贮藏中后期, 与CK组相比,SI组能较好保持鲈鱼的感官品质和质构特性,抑制硫代巴比妥酸值、pH值与菌落总数的升高,有效 延缓蛋白质分解与肌肉组织降解速率,货架期为18 d左右,相对CK组延长了6 d。SNI组无冰运输过程中鲈鱼体温 维持在0.8 ℃以下,贮藏期间其样品质构特性、微生物生长及蛋白质降解水平与CK组差异不大,两组货架期均为 12 d;说明流化冰预冷具有较好的控温作用,能在一定程度上维持鲈鱼的鲜度。结论：流化冰是一种快速、高效的 保鲜处理方式,SNI组无冰运输操作可提高鱼样装载量,节约运输成本,因此该研究对水产品的短途运输具一定的 参考价值。