Canthaxanthin as an Antioxidant in a Liposome Model System and in Minced Patties from Rainbow Trout

Canthaxanthin (CX) delayed formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in a concentration-dependent manner in a ferrous chloride (FeCl₂)-initiated liposome system at 37 °C (p < 0.05). CX delayed TBARS formation in minced flesh from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at 6 d of 4 °C storage in trial 1, and at 0, 2, 4 and 6 d in trial 2 when compared with controls at 4 °C (p < 0.05). Day 0 TBARS values in trial 2 were equivalent to d 6 of trial 1. CX concentration and a* value decreased in minced trout flesh during 6 days of 4 °C storage (p < 0.05). Overall, CX demonstrated antioxidant activity in vitro and in the minced tissue of CX-supplemented rainbow trout.     

Quorum Sensing Involved in the Spoilage Process of the Skin and Flesh of Vacuum‐Packaged Farmed Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Stored at 4 °C

Fish skin has both positive and negative effects on the shelf‐life of the fish. This study aimed to investigate the spoilage process of the skin and flesh of refrigerated farmed turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) with vacuum packaging. Microbial community changes were analyzed by combining culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. The results indicated that the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged refrigerated turbot was 16 d; skin mucus was the interference factor of turbot quality. The culture‐dependent analysis demonstrated that the total viable counts and the population of H₂S‐producing bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., and lactic acid bacteria in skin had a range of 0.45 to 1.40 log (CFU/g) higher than the microbial numbers in flesh after 16 d in storage. 16S high throughout sequencing results demonstrated that the compositions of spoilage microbes were similar in skin and flesh. Shewanella spp., followed by Carnobacterium spp., was the dominant spoilage organism at day 16. Quorum sensing (QS) signaling activity increased during the storage. Exogenous N‐butanoyl‐L‐homoserinelactone(C4‐HSL) and N‐hexanoyl‐Lhomoserine lactone (C6‐HSL) significantly accelerated the spoilage process of refrigerated turbot, while the addition of 4, 5‐Dihydroxypentane‐2, 3‐dione (DPD) prolonged the lag phase duration. Therefore, QS may be involved in the spoilage process of refrigerated turbot.     

Heat-induced Gelation of Minced Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri:) Effect of pH, Sodium Chloride and Setting

The structure formation of minced rainbow trout was monitored during heating from 30°C to 85°C by a dynamic rheological method. The maxima of storage modulus (G') were found at 37°C and in the range of 45°C to 60°C. The largest differences in rigidity resulted from seasonal variations. Firmest protein matrix was obtained by using well-fed fish as raw material, by setting the gels at 35°C and using a pH value around 6.1. Sodium chloride in the range 1–2% had little effect on the final rigidity of the minced rainbow trout gels.     

Evaluation of Shelf Life of Superchilled Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets and the Influence of Temperature Fluctuations During Storage on Microbial and Chemical Quality Indicators

Quality changes of aerobically packed cod fillets stored under superchilling and abusive temperature conditions were characterized by the growth of specific spoilage organisms (SSO) and the production of microbial metabolites measured by an electronic nose along with traditional sensory and chemical analysis (total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB‐N], pH). A new process based on quick contact freezing and cold air blasting was used to achieve superchilling of fillets before chilled (0.5 °C) or superchilled (‐1.5 °C) storage. Photobacterium phosphoreum dominated under temperature abusive conditions coinciding with high levels of TVB‐N and increased electronic nose responses indicating increased levels of alcohols and aldehydes at sensory rejection. Dominating growth of Pseudomonas spp. in 1 batch was associated with the origin, the catching method, and the cooling conditions during processing. The superchilling process followed by superchilled storage (‐1.5 °C) extended the sensory shelf life of the fillets for at least 3 d compared with traditional process, resulting in a total shelf life of 15 d. High content of TVB‐N was observed in superchilled fillets at sensory rejection. P. phosphoreum counts were lower under superchilling conditions (6.0 to 6.8 log colony‐forming units [CFU]/g), compared with the traditionally processed chilled fillets (7.2 log CFU/g). However, H₂S‐producing bacteria appeared to grow steadily under superchilling conditions reaching counts as high as 7.6 log CFU/g at sensory rejection.     

茶多酚-壳聚糖复合液对虹鳟鱼肉贮藏品质和菌群结构的影响

针对虹鳟鱼在贮藏过程中易受到微生物的污染而发生腐败变质的问题,将3 g/L茶多酚和10 g/L壳聚糖混合制成复配保鲜剂,浸泡涂膜覆盖于虹鳟鱼表面。以感官评价、挥发性盐基氮含量、菌落总数及菌群结构等为指标,研究保鲜剂对4℃贮藏虹鳟鱼肉贮藏品质变化的影响。结果表明:茶多酚和壳聚糖单独使用或复合使用均能延缓腐败的发生;复配保鲜剂能将4℃贮藏虹鳟鱼的货架期从8 d延长至13 d,效果优于单独使用;未经处理的新鲜虹鳟鱼片菌群由16个菌属组成,腐败末期则以假单胞菌属为优势菌属,而复合保鲜剂涂膜会明显抑制假单胞菌属的生长,进而减缓鱼肉品质劣变。综上,茶多酚和壳聚糖的复配保鲜剂有助于通过抑制优势腐败菌的生长延缓4℃贮藏条件下虹鳟鱼的腐败变质。     

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Physical,Microbial, and Chemical Attributes of Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)

The change in the quality attributes (physical, microbial, and chemical) of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment at 300 MPa at room temperature (RT, 25 °C) 300, 450, and 500 MPa at 0 °C for 2 min and control oysters without treatment were evaluated over 3 wk. The texture and tissue yield percentages of oysters HHP treated at 300 MPa, RT increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to control. Aerobic and psychrotrophic bacteria in control oysters reached the spoilage point of 7 log CFU/g after 15 d. Coliform counts (log MPN/g) were low during storage with total and fecal coliforms less than 3.5 and 1.0. High pressure treated oysters at 500 MPa at 0 °C were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than oysters HHP treated at 300 MPa at 0 °C in lipid oxidation values. The highest pressure (500 MPa) treatment in this study, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased unsaturated fatty acid percentage compared to control. The glycogen content of control oysters at 3 wk was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared to HHP treated oysters [300 MPa, (RT); 450 MPa (0 °C); and 500 MPa (0 °C)]. HHP treatments of oysters were not significantly different in pH, percent salt extractable protein (SEP), and total lipid values compared to control. Based on our results, HHP prolongs the physical, microbial, and chemical quality of oysters.     

Determination of Spoilage Microbiota of Pacific White Shrimp During Ambient and Cold Storage Using Next‐Generation Sequencing and Culture‐Dependent Method

This study was conducted to determine the initial and spoilage microbiota of Pacific white shrimp during ambient and cold storage using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and a culture‐dependent method. The quality changes were also evaluated by sensory analysis and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values. After 1 d of storage, the psychrotrophic bacteria were only 5.97 log CFU/g, accounting for 1.1% of the mesophilic bacteria counts (7.94 log CFU/g). The psychrotrophic bacteria counts exceeded the counts of mesophilic bacteria for shrimp stored at 4 °C after 6 d of storage, indicating that psychrotrophic bacteria became predominant. The NGS was used to identify the bacterial species in samples stored at 25 and 4 °C. The results showed that the dominant microorganisms were Vibrio at 25 °C, and Acinetobacter, Psychrobacter, and Shewanella at 4 °C. By the culture‐dependent method based on 16S rRNA gene and VITEK®2 CompactA system, it showed that the dominant microorganisms were Proteus spp. at 25 °C, and Shewanella putrefaciens, Acinetobacter johnsonii, and Aeromonas sobria at 4 °C. In conclusion, differences in results of microbiota analyzed by culture dependent and independent approaches were observed. The combination of both methodologies may provide more comprehensive information about the dominant spoilage microbiota in Pacific white shrimp during ambient and cold storage.     

Dual bacterial strains TTI for monitoring fish quality in food cold chain

Most microbial time–temperature indicators (TTIs) considered only one spoilage strain. This research compared single and dual spoilage strains-based microbial TTI for quality changes of chilled grouper fish (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x E. lanceolatus) fillet products during distribution. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) and traditional plate count approach showed that Pseudomonas fragi and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were specific spoilage bacteria at 7 and 15°C. A dual-strain TTI response provides more accurate results than a single-strain TTI and provides an irreversible color change from yellow to reddish-brown, showing levels of fish freshness. The microbial TTI comprises fish spoilage bacteria strains with 3 log CFU/ml, a nutrient broth supplemented with 2% NaCl as a medium, and phenol red with 0.25 mg/ml as a pH indicator. Overall, this study points to the applicability of a dual-strain microbial TTI as a valuable tool for monitoring fish quality changes during cold chain break condition.     

Effects of Frozen Storage on Survival of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterotoxin Production in Precooked Tuna Meat

This study investigated the survival of Staphylococcus aureus in precooked tuna meat for producing canned products during frozen storage (?20 ± 2 °C) as well as its growth and enterotoxin production at 35 to 37 °C after the storage. Samples (50 ± 5 g) of precooked albacore (loin, chunk, and flake) and skipjack (chunk and flake) tuna were inoculated with 5 enterotoxin‐producing strains of S. aureus at a level of approximately 3.5 log CFU/g and individually packed in a vacuum bag after 3 h incubation at 35 to 37 °C. Vacuum‐packed samples were stored in a freezer (?20 ± 2 °C) for 4 wk. The frozen samples were then thawed in 37 °C circulating water for 2 h and incubated at 35 to 37 °C for 22 h. Populations of S. aureus in all precooked tuna samples decreased slightly (<0.7 log CFU/g) after 4 wk of storage at ?20 ± 2 °C, but increased rapidly once the samples were thawed and held at 35 to 37 °C. Total S. aureus counts in albacore and skipjack samples increased by greater than 3 log CFU/g after 6 and 8 h of exposure to 35 to 37 °C, respectively. All samples became spoiled after 10 h of exposure to 35 to 37 °C, while no enterotoxin was detected in any samples. However, enterotoxins were detected in albacore loin and other samples after 12 and 24 h of incubation at 35 to 37 °C, respectively. Frozen precooked tuna meat should be used for producing canned tuna within 6 to 8 h of thawing to avoid product spoilage and potential enterotoxin production by S. aureus in contaminated precooked tuna meat.     

Microbiological hazards involved in fresh‐cut lettuce processing

BACKGROUND: The increasing consumption of produce all over the world has resulted in increasing concern by the regulatory agencies with respect to the level of safety performed by the processors. The objective of the present study was to investigate the hazards involved in the various steps of fresh‐cut lettuce processing (reception/selection of raw material, washing, rinsing, sanitisation and final product) by means of microbiological analyses of microbial groups used as indicators of hygienic conditions and of pathogens. RESULTS: High microbial loads of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. were found in the ram reception (～6 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g^?1), which were reduced by a single logarithmic cycle for the last two microbial groups after the sanitisation step (P < 0.05), the latter being ineffective against the first microbial group (P > 0.05). Lower counts of yeasts and moulds, total coliforms (35 °C) and faecal coliforms (44 °C) were observed in the initial step (3.49–4.53 log CFU g^?1, 0.65–1.55 log most probable number (MPN) g^?1 and 0.50–0.90 log MPN g^?1 respectively), these values increasing significantly after the sanitisation step for yeasts and moulds (～5 log CFU g^?1) but remaining unaltered for coliforms (P > 0.05). Salmonella spp. were not found in any of the experiments carried out, while the presence of Escherichia coli was observed in the final product. CONCLUSIONS : Practices compromising the hygienic quality of the final product during commercial storage were observed and corrective measures suggested. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these are the first data on microbiological safety in Brazilian fresh‐cut processing plants. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.     

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.     

Application of Electronic Nose and Statistical Analysis to Predict Quality Indices of Peach

In this study, responses of a sensor array were employed to establish a quality index model able to describe the different picking date of peaches. The principal component regression (PCR) and partial least-squares regressions (PLS) model represent very good ability in describing the quality indices of the selected three sets of peaches in calibration and prediction. The results showed that the PLS model represents a good ability in predicting quality index, with high correlation coefficients (R = 0.86 for penetrating force [CF]; R = 0.83 for sugar content [SC]; R = 0.83 for pH) and relatively low standard error of prediction (SEP; 8.77 N, 0.299 °Brix, and 0.2 for CF, SC, and pH, respectively). The PCR model had high correlation coefficients (R = 0.84, 0.82, 0.78 for CF, SC, and pH, respectively) between predicted and measured values and a relatively low SEP (7.33 N, 0.44 °Brix, 0.21 for CF, SC, and pH, respectively) for prediction. These results prove that the electronic noses have the potential to assess fruit quality indices.     

Microbiological Characteristics of Enhancement Solutions

The objective of this study was to assess the survival of Escherichia coli K‐12 in solutions of ingredients used for enhancing meat products and to evaluate the effect of potentially lethal temperatures. Enhancement solutions were prepared to contain water only (W); water + salt + phosphate (control, C); water + salt + phosphate + sodium lactate (SL); water + salt + phosphate + sodium acetate (SA); or water + salt + phosphate + lactate + diacetate (SLDA). The SLDA solution resulted in the highest log reduction of E. coli K‐12 followed by SL. Heating solutions to 70 °C resulted in about a 4 log reduction, whereas heating to 60 °C produced about a 2 log reduction. For samples with an initial microbial load of 10⁶ colony‐forming units (CFU)/mL, addition of SL and heating to 50 °C resulted in about a 2 log reduction, addition of SA gave <0.5 log reduction, whereas addition of the SLDA combination produced a > 4.0 log reduction. The SLDA combination could allow for lower heating temperatures to achieve similar microbial reductions.     

Effects of Soaking with Natural Additives in Combinations with Vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Microbial Populations and Shelf Life of Fresh Truffles (Chinese Tuber Indicum)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative effects and interactions of combined soaking treatment using citric acid (CTA) and apple polyphenol (APP) at mild heating temperatures for the inactivation of the external and internal microflora (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, and fungi) in Chinese Tuber indicum, as well as to analyze the microbiological and sensory changes under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)‐ and vacuum atmosphere packaging (VAC)‐packed Chinese T. indicum stored at 4 °C for up to 55 d. Chinese T. indicum was soaked with CTA and APP alone or in combination for 10, 20, and 30 min at 35, 45, and 55 °C. A disinfection method using CTA and APP (3% CTA + 3% APP for 20 min at 45 °C) was obtained. Under this set of combination, the experimental values of microbial counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, and fungi were 2.31 ± 0.4 log CFU/g, <1.0 log CFU/g, and <1.0 log CFU/g, respectively. Through the analysis of sensory qualities and microbial populations for MAP‐ or VAC‐packed Chinese T. indicum, the shelf life of soaked truffles was prolonged to 45 or 40 d, respectively. The synergistic effect of CTA and APP may provide valuable insight into the reduction of microorganisms on fresh truffles.     

Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy for determining end‐point temperature of heated fish and shellfish meats

Attempts have been made to assess the end‐point temperature (EPT) of heated fish and shellfish meats by near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy. Since the presence of water affects NIR spectra, the influence of the water content of samples on the performance of NIR spectroscopy for determining EPT was also evaluated. Blue marlin (Makaira mazara), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), red sea bream (Pagrus major), kuruma prawn (Penaeus japonicus) and scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) meats were heat‐treated at different temperatures (5 °C intervals between 60 and 100 °C). NIR spectra were measured at 2 nm intervals between 1100 and 2500 nm. A stepwise multiple linear regression method was used to develop a calibration curve. Changes in NIR reflectance spectra upon heat treatment were related to the heating temperature. Moreover, the interference from the variation in water content on the prediction of EPT was eliminated by selecting appropriate wavelengths. Plotting of NIR‐predicted temperatures determined from d² log(1/R) at four specific wavelengths against the actual EPT revealed a promising linear relationship with correlation coefficients between 0.94 and 0.98. In the temperature range 60–100 °C, NIR reflectance spectroscopy was able to detect EPT of heated fish and shellfish meats with a prediction error of 1.9–3.1%. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rapid Non-destructive Detection of Spoilage of Intact Chicken Breast Muscle Using Near-infrared and Fourier Transform Mid-infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Statistics

Near-infrared (NIR) transflectance and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) attenuated total reflectance spectra of intact chicken breast muscle packed under aerobic conditions and stored at 4° for 14 days were collected and investigated for their potential use in rapid non-destructive detection of spoilage. Multiplicative scatter correction-transformed NIR and standard normal variate-transformed FT-IR spectra were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS2-DA) and outer product analysis (OPA). PCA and PLS2-DA regression failed to completely discriminate between days 0 and 4 samples (total viable count (TVC) days 0 and 4 = 5.23 and 6.75 log₁₀ cfu g⁻¹) which had bacterial loads smaller than the accepted levels (8 log₁₀ cfu g⁻¹) of sensory spoilage detection but classified correctly days 8 and 14 samples (TVC days 8 and 14 = 9.61 and 10.37 log₁₀ cfu g⁻¹). OPA performed on both NIR and FT-IR datasets revealed several correlations that highlight the effect of proteolysis in influencing the spectra. These correlations indicate that increase in free amino acids and peptides could be the main factor in the discrimination of intact chicken breast muscle. This investigation suggests that NIR and FT-IR spectroscopy can become useful, rapid, non-destructive tools for spoilage detection.     

Effects of ozonation on microbiological,chemical and sensory attributes of vacuum-packaged rainbow trout stored at 4±0.5°C

The effects of ozone in aqueous solution on the shelf life of whole, vacuum-packaged rainbow trout, stored under refrigeration (4±0.5°C) were studied by monitoring the microbiological, chemical and sensory changes for a period of 15 days. Vacuum-packaged non-ozonated trout served as the control sample. Ozonation affected populations of bacteria namely, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and H₂S-producing bacteria until day 11 of storage, Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae until day 8 of storage. Trimethylamine (TMA) values of all rainbow trout samples remained low (<3 mg N/100 g) until day 11 of storage, and then increased to 12.2, 8.9 and 4.7 mg N/100 g for the control and the samples ozonated for 60 and 90 min, respectively on day 15 of storage. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values remained relatively constant (20–25 mg N/100 g) until day 11 of storage, but increased to 61.1, 37.6 and 39.4 mg N/100 g flesh for the control and ozonated specimen for 60 and 90 min, respectively on day 15 of storage. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values remained relatively constant (1–3 mg MA/kg flesh) until day 12 of storage but increased to 8.4, 6.4 and 3.8 mg MA/kg flesh on day 15 of storage for the control and the ozonated trout for 60 and 90 min, respectively. Sensory evaluation (odor, taste and texture) of cooked rainbow trout showed a very good correlation with bacterial populations. On the basis of both sensory and microbiological data, a shelf life of 10 and 12 days was obtained for ozonated, vacuum-packaged and refrigerated rainbow trout at 60 and 90 min, respectively.     

Color Stability of Astaxanthin Pigmented Rainbow Trout Under Various Packaging Conditions

Astaxanthin-rich oil extract from Louisiana crawfish by-product imparted a salmon-red coloration to the flesh and integument of rainbow trout on a diet containing 45 mg astaxanthin/kg feed. Carotenoids deposited in fish flesh were stable (ca 90% retention) in air-packed samples at 1 - 2°C. Oxygen-evacuated and CO₂-enriched packaging gave adverse color stability. Lowest pigment levels were in frozen samples, with 53% of the absorbed pigment degraded in 14 days. Visual color scores were consistent with quantitative pigment analyses (r = 0.77). Higher pigment contents were observed in air-packed (1 - 2°C) samples, possibly due to astacene or other breakdown products of astaxanthin. Maximal TBA values were observed in air-packed (1 - 2°C) samples. The effect of tissue enzyme homogenate on fading of trout flesh is discussed.     

Quality Evaluation of Shelled and Unshelled Macadamia Nuts by Means of Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR)

The quality of shelled and unshelled macadamia nuts was assessed by means of Fourier transformed near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy. Shelled macadamia nuts were sorted as sound nuts; nuts infected by Ecdytolopha aurantiana and Leucopteara coffeella; and cracked nuts caused by germination. Unshelled nuts were sorted as intact nuts (<10% half nuts, 2014); half nuts (March, 2013; November, 2013); and crushed nuts (2014). Peroxide value (PV) and acidity index (AI) were determined according to AOAC. PCA‐LDA shelled macadamia nuts classification resulted in 93.2% accurate classification. PLS PV prediction model resulted in a square error of prediction (SEP) of 3.45 meq/kg, and a prediction coefficient determination value (R_p²) of 0.72. The AI PLS prediction model was better (SEP = 0.14%, R_p² = 0.80). Although adequate classification was possible (93.2%), shelled nuts must not contain live insects, therefore the classification accuracy was not satisfactory. FT‐NIR spectroscopy can be successfully used to predict PV and AI in unshelled macadamia nuts, though.