The effects of partial replacement of fish meal by vegetable protein sources in the diet of rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) on post mortem spoilage of fillets

Five test diets were formulated with decreasing levels of fish meal (up to 50%) replaced by alternative protein sources. Rainbow trout were fed the experimental diets for 12 weeks.The effects of feed ingredients on spoilage of Oncorhynchus mykiss in ice and under MAP/ice (40% CO₂, 30% N₂ and 30% O₂) were investigated in terms of sensory, chemical and microbiological analyses. The results showed that the trout in MAP/ice was rejected at 14 days, after sensory analysis, due to excessive drip, whereas trout in ice were found to be acceptable even after 14 days of storage. However, cooked trout fillets, under both storage conditions, were rejected at 17 days. Fish in ice produced higher K values and higher concentrations of biogenic amines during the storage period of 17 days than the fish in MAP/ice. Bacteria grew more quickly in rainbow trout kept in ice than in MAP/ice. MAP/ice storage extended the shelf life of rainbow trout by approximately 2 days compared to ice storage alone in terms of microbiological analyses.     

The impact of strawflower and mistletoe extract on quality properties of rainbow trout fillets

Many plants, including strawflower and mistletoe, contain antioxidants and antimicrobials, which can increase the shelf life of seafood. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mistletoe and strawflower extracts at doses of 0.5% (w/v) on the sensory, chemical and microbiological properties of rainbow trout fillets during 27 days of storage at 2 ± 1 °C. The phenolic compounds in these plants have been studied, but their effects on food quality and storage properties have not been reported. We found that extract of mistletoe did not extend the shelf life of the fillets; however, the strawflower extract show high antimicrobial activity in fish fillets. The shelf life of rainbow trout was 20 days for the control and fish treated with mistletoe extract and 23 days for fish treated with strawflower extract. The antioxidant effect of extracts on fish fillets was weak, whereas strawflower extract had high antimicrobial effect. Peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values fluctuated during storage periods around main values below 14 meq O₂ kg^?1 and 0.6 MA kg^?1, respectively. Putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, spermidine, serotonin, tyramine and dopamine were main amine, whereas histamine accumulated at low levels (<2 mg per 100 g). Strawflower suppressed biogenic amine accumulation in fish fillets. At the limit of acceptability, total viable count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria count remained below 7.6, 6.83 and 8.01 log CFU g^?1, respectively. The results of this study show that ethanol extracts of strawflower improve the shelf life of rainbow trout.     

Effects of modified atmosphere and vacuum packaging on microbiological and chemical properties of rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykiss) fillets

Microbial (psychrotrophic, mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriacae counts), and chemical analysis [pH, total volatile bases nitrogen (TVB-N), lipid oxidation (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, TBARS)] of rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykiss) fillets in air (control), vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with various gas mixtures conditions at 4+/-1 degrees C were determined. The gas mixtures evaluated were 100% CO2, 2.5% O2+7.5% N2+90% CO2 and 30% O2+30% N2+40% CO2. Psychrotrophic bacteria count was above 1 x 10(7) cfu/g on the 12th day in 100% CO2. However; mesophilic bacteria count was below 1 x 10(6) cfu/g at the end of the 14-day storage period. Enterobacteriaceae count was significantly lower in samples packaged with MAP. Lipid oxidation increased rapidly after 6 days of storage in the samples containing 30% O2. While minimum TBARS values were recorded in fillets containing 100% CO2 and vacuumed fillets, the lowest TVB-N values were obtained in fillets with 100% CO2.     

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.     

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     

Combined effect of MAP and thyme essential oil on the microbiological,chemical and sensory attributes of organically aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets

The present study evaluated the combined effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) using two different gas mixtures (40% CO₂/50% N₂/10% O₂; treatment M1, 60% CO₂/30% N₂/10% O₂, treatment M2), and thyme oil (0.2% v/w, T) used as a natural preservative, on the quality and shelf life extension of fresh filleted sea bass, product of organic aquaculture, during refrigerated storage (4± 0.5 °C), for a period of 21 days. Aerobically packaged sea bass fillets (A) were used as control samples. The dominant bacteria in the microflora of sea bass fillets, irrespective of treatment, were the pseudomonads and the H₂S-producing bacteria while lactic acid bacteria were also part of the dominant microflora. Total viable counts for fresh sea bass fillets stored aerobically exceeded 7 log CFU/g after 7 days, while treatments A+T, M1, M2 and M2+T reached the same value on days 9, 10, 12 and 19, respectively. Among the chemical indices determined, TBA values were within the good quality limits (2–4 mg MDA/kg), during the sensory shelf lives of sea bass samples, irrespective of treatment. TVB-N proved to be a suitable index for the spoilage of sea bass fillets stored at 4 °C. Samples A and A+T, M1, M2, M2+T exceeded the proposed upper TVB-N acceptability limit (10 mg N/100 g) on days 6, 8, 9, 13 and 17 of storage respectively. TMA-N values of the samples A, A+T and M1, M2, M2+T exceeded the proposed limit (4 mg N/100 g) on days 6, 9, 9–10, 13 and 19 of storage, respectively, and correlated well with the microbiological data, indicating that along with TVB-N, TMA-N may serve as a useful index for sea bass fillets spoilage. As regards sensory evaluation, the presence of thyme oil proved to improve the sensory quality of sea bass fillets when used in combination with MAP2, providing a shelf life of 17 days as compared to 6 days of the control samples.     

Comparison of the shelf lifes of map and vacuum packaged hot smoked rainbow trout (Onchoryncus mykiss)

The objective of this study was to determine the differences of microbiological and chemical quality in MAP and VP packages in refrigerated smoked trout fillets. Such information is important in evaluating the safety of these products. Three groups were constituted: group A – packed in 60%Co₂/40% N₂; group B – packed in 50%CO₂/50% N₂ and group C– vacuum packed. The ratio of fillet to package volume was 1/3 chemical analysis and microbiological analysis were done and also instrumental and sensory analysis were used to determined the shelf life. The observed shelf life of smoked trout was found at least 33 days in vacuum package, 47 days in 60% CO₂/40% N₂ gas mixture and 40 days in 50% CO₂/50% N₂ gas mixture according to results of microbiological analysis. The observed shelf life of smoked trout in MAP group A was determined as 14 days more than VP packs according to results of microbiological and sensory analysis in the study.     

Changes in quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets preserved with salt and sugar at low concentrations and stored at 4°C

The effects of dry-curing with low concentrations of salt and sugar on the quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets were studied over a 16-day storage period at 4°C. Physicochemical characteristics (total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), biogenic amines (BAs), ATP-related compounds and K value), microbial populations (total aerobic counts (TAC), H₂S-producing bacteria, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and lactic acid bacteria) and sensory (SA) indicators were analyzed. Fish samples were subjected to the following treatments: untreated (control), dry-cured with 1.3% salt (T1), and dry-cured with 1.3% salt that also contained 0.9% sugar (T2). SA indicated that the sensory quality of the control, T1, and T2 was unacceptable after 8, 12, and 12 days of storage, respectively. Moreover, the cadaverine concentration of treated samples was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the control after storing for 8 days. T1 and T2 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control in inosine 5-monophosphate (IMP) content from the 2th to 10th day. Cadaverine, putrescine, hypoxanthine, and TAC were correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with SA, and these seemed to be reliable indicators of fish quality. The results indicated that curing treatments extended the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets, which could be exploited by processors.     

Quality and Shelf Life of Cold and Frozen Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillets: Effects of Fish Protein-Based Biodegradable Coatings

The Klunzinger’s ponyfish (Equulites klunzingeri) protein powder extracted with acid or alkali aided process as a biodegradable coating material for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets during cold (+2°C) and frozen storage (–18°C) were investigated. The coating with alkaline treated protein (AlPC) and acid treated protein (AcPC) extended the shelf life of fillets from 11 to 14 days in cold storage and improved the quality parameters in three months frozen storage period. According to total viable count and total psychrophile count results, bacteria grew more quickly in uncoated fillets than coated fillets. The protein-based coating did prevent spoilage of the rainbow trout fillets as reflected by a decrease in pH, total volatile base-nitrogen and free fatty acids during cold and frozen storage period. Therefore, this study demonstrated that fish protein-based coating had a positive effect on maintaining the rainbow trout fillets quality, and edible coatings from discard fish can offer a promising alternative for preserving fish fillets.     

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     

Effect of gelatin coating incorporated with cinnamon oil on the quality of fresh rainbow trout in cold storage

Cinnamon essential oil was used in gelatin coatings to maintain the quality of refrigerated rainbow trout fillets over a period of 20 days. Fish fillets were coated with a solution of 4% gelatin incorporated with cinnamon essential oil and then stored in refrigerator (4 ± 1 °C). Coating’s preservative effect was assessed periodically (every 5 days) by microbial analyses (aerobic plate count and psychrotrophic count), chemical determinations (total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid, free fatty acid) and sensory characteristics. When gelatin coating with cinnamon applied to the preservation of trout fillets, a reduction in the growth of total bacteria was observe after 15 days of storage. Fish fillets with gelatin coating containing 1%, 1.5% and 2% v/v cinnamon oil produced significantly lower (P < 0.05) total volatile basic nitrogen then gelatin‐coated fillets and control until 15 days of storage period (35, 22.86, 30.33, 57.76 and 53.26 mg per 100 g of fillet, respectively). The obtained results indicate that gelatin in the form of coating enriched with cinnamon oil is suitable for the preservation of rainbow trout fresh fillets and to efficiently maintain the quality attributes to an acceptable level during storage.     

Effects of slaughtering methods on sensory,chemical and microbiological quality of rainbow trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Onchorynchus mykiss</Emphasis>) stored in ice and MAP

The effects of slaughtering methods (percussive stunning and death in ice slurry) on the quality of rainbow trout stored in ice and modified atmosphere packing (MAP) (40% CO₂, 30% N₂ and 30% O₂) were investigated in terms of sensory, chemical and microbiological analysis. Sensory analysis showed that the demerit points of fish slaughtered by percussive stunning were higher than those slaughtered by the ice slurry method, but there were no significant differences in demerit points (P>0.05). In addition, the rate of increase in demerit points in fish in MAP was significantly (P>0.05) higher at 6 and 10 days of storage than that in fish in ice for each slaughter method, which was due to increased drip, the appearance of slime and the odour of the fish in MAP packing. The mean K values of rainbow trout slaughtered by percussive stunning in this study were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of trout slaughtered according to the ice slurry method. The level of biogenic amines, regardless of the slaughter method, showed a similar trend (P>0.05), but higher concentrations of biogenic amines were found for the ice slurry slaughter method and for fish stored in ice. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in total viable count of fish stored in ice and MAP, regardless of the different slaughter methods used. However, fish packed in MAP showed reduction in bacterial counts compared to fish held in ice throughout study. The results of this study showed that slaughter by percussive stunning improved the quality of trout compared to the ice slurry method.     

Effect of UV-C Radiation on Shelf life of Vacuum Package Colossoma Macropomum x Piaractus Mesopotamicus Fillets

Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus (CP) is a freshwater fish with greatest commercial importance in Brazil. Fillets of CP are highly perishable food and preservation technology with UV-C could improve food safety and extend shelf life. Fillet samples were submitted at UV-C (55.83mJ/cm²) and examined for mesophilic and psychrotrophic count and biogenic amines over 6 days. UV-C reduced the bacterial growth and number of colonies in the stationary phase; also increase the levels of cadaverine, putrescine and histamine. The results suggest that UV-C enhanced the shelf-life of CP fillets by at least 50%.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate migration from PVC-cling film into packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets: kinetic study and control of compliance with EU specifications

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film containing di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) plasticizer was used to wrap sea bream (Sparus aurata) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillet samples with and without skin. After wrapping the samples were stored at 2 ± 0.5 °C and analyzed for DEHA content at time intervals between 5 and 360 h of contact (kinetic study). Determination of DEHA was performed using a direct gas chromatography (GC) method. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in migration of DEHA were observed between the two fish fillet samples: the mean equilibrium migration amount of DEHA in sea bream was 2.93 mg/dm² film (91.9 mg/kg fillet) corresponding to a loss of 19.0% (w/w) DEHA from PVC film; while the mean equilibrium amount of DEHA in rainbow trout was 3.74 mg/dm² (117.6 mg/kg) corresponding to a loss of 23.9% (w/w) DEHA. The above values for DEHA in sea bream are very close to the limit of 3 mg/dm² of film surface set by the EU for DEHA while the corresponding migration values for rainbow trout exceeded this limit. Diffusion coefficients for DEHA in the PVC film during contact with both fish fillets were calculated and found significantly different between two fish samples. Furthermore, the presence of skin on the fillet decreased migration of DEHA into the fish flesh by a factor of 2.4–2.8. Based on equilibrium migration values of DEHA it is concluded that for a 60-kg adult, a daily consumption of 150 g rainbow trout or 200 g sea bream fillet packaged in PVC film would result in a daily intake of DEHA close to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.3 mg/kg body weight set by the EU.     

The effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) oil concentration on liquid-smoked vacuum-packed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) fillets during chilled storage

This study examined the effects of thyme oil on chemical properties, microbiological changes, and sensory quality in vacuum-packed liquid-smoked rainbow trout fillets under chilled storage. After 150 days of storage, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values were 30.52, 27.5 and 39.43 mg/100 g, and total viable counts (TVC) were 5.34, 4.96 and 5.53, for thyme oil additions of 10 (T10), 50 (T50) and 0 (control; T0) mL/L brine, respectively. The highest acceptable TVB-N value was adopted as 30 mg /100 g, corresponding to shelf lives of 135, 150, and 105 days for T10, T50, and T0, respectively. T50 addition of thyme oil to liquid-smoked rainbow fillets extended shelf life T10 and T50, gave acceptable sensory quality and limited microbiological growth during chilled storage.     

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     

Adenine Nucleotide Degradation in Modified Atmosphere Chill-stored Fresh Fish

Effects of carbon dioxide modified atmospheres on degradation of adenine nucleotides in chill-stored whitefish (Coregonus clupeafor-mis) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were studied. K values were determined during storage up to 26 days. Results indicated CO₂ atmospheres did not alter K values compared to those observed for aerobically held fish. However, both CO₂ atmospheres and potassium sorbate-dipping of fillets caused decreases in hypoxanthine concentrations compared to untreated aerobically held samples.