Technological Effect and Nutritional Value of Dietary Antioxidant Fucus Fiber Added to Fish Mince

The technological effect of antioxidant dietary fiber (AODF) from Fucus vesiculosus added to minced horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) during frozen storage was tested. Fish mince (FM) samples supplemented with 1 and 2% AODF were compared to AODF-free control. Dietary analysis, antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols content, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assay), and free radical scavenging activity (by ABTS assay), water binding capacity, water holding ability, cooking yield, and sensory analyses were carried out just after freezing and during frozen storage. Samples with 1 and 2% of AODF added had lower lipid oxidation than those without AODF, and the total drip (thaw + cooking) was reduced after 3 months of frozen storage. Fish samples supplemented with 1% AODF did not have a different flavor from the control. Samples supplemented with 2% AODF had a different flavor from the control, but this did not impair palatability.     

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Extracts Inhibit Microbial Growth and Lipid Oxidation in Minced Shrimps Stored at 4°C

Pomegranate peel is inherited with diverse functional properties that improve storage stability and nutritional quality of edible goods. This research was aimed at evaluating antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel hydro-alcoholic extracts and to determine in situ efficacy of extracts in controlling microbial growth and lipid oxidation of shrimp meat. The results suggest that pomegranate peel ethanolic extracts (PoPetx) have significantly higher (p < 0.05) phenolic contents, 169 mg GAE/100 g accompanied with 90% free radical scavenging activities. Contrary to the normal control, incorporation of PoPetx @ 2.0% (w/w) in minced shrimp meat increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species generation by 10% during 28 days of storage at 4°C. Supplementing PoPetx @ 0.5–2.0% (w/w) to shrimp meat has shown a comparable microbial inhibitory action against total plate counts and Staphylococcus spp. The study concludes that application of pomegranate peel extracts in minced shrimp is a viable strategy to preserve chemical and microbiological quality of shrimp and products of sea origin.     

Refrigerated and Frozen Storage Characteristics of Minced Meat Extracted from Blue Crab Picking Plant By-Products

Minced meat was extracted from picking-room by-products of steam-retorted, mechanically-backed, ad hand-picked blue crabs using a Baader 694 deboning machine. Minced meat recovered from claws and mixed picking room by-products were used in the study. Minced meat pasteurized at 83.3ºC (182ºF) in low-density polyethylene tubes darkened significantly and developed off odors and flavors during 10 months of frozen storage at -20ºC (-4ºF). Citric acid phosphate buffered and unbuffered minced mean pasteurized in aluminum cans did not develop off odors or flavors during 11 months of frozen storage. The addition of buffer before pasteurization improved the appearance of both frozen and refrigerated meats held in aluminum cans.     

防止白鲢鱼糜蛋白质冷冻变性的研究

用正交试验Ｌ９（３＾３）法研究了白链鱼糜蛋白经漂洗后，添加食品磷酸盐和蔗糖作为抗冻剂对防止冷冻变性的影响。结果显示：漂洗液的盐分浓度越低，鱼糜中蔗糖含量越高，蛋白质冷冻变性程度越小。添加食品磷酸盐对漂洗和未漂洗鱼糜的影响有所不同。此外，在无抗冻剂条件下冷冻，漂洗鱼糜蛋白质的变性程度大于未漂洗鱼糜，而抗冻剂在提高漂洗鱼糜蛋白质抗冷冻变性的效果比未漂洗鱼糜要明显。     

Diversity and distribution of early life stages of carangid fishes in the northwestern Mediterranean: responses to environmental drivers

The diversity and distribution of the early stages of carangid fishes were investigated in relation to environmental conditions off the Catalan Coast (NW Mediterranean). Data were obtained during four oceanographic cruises conducted in spring–summer 2003 and 2004. A total of 4743 larvae from seven species and five genera were identified. Most were thermophilic species very abundant in the warm waters of the south and eastern Mediterranean. The presence of larvae and juveniles of Caranx crysos, Caranx rhonchus, Seriola dumerili and Trachinotus ovatus in the northwestern Mediterranean is reported for the first time. Except for Trachurus trachurus, which spawns in winter–spring, all species reproduce in spring–summer with a temporal succession in their spawning peaks. On average, the spatial patterns of different species (except T. trachurus) showed common features: a clear preference for spawning in coastal areas, high abundance of larvae in the south warmer zone in relation to the surface productive waters of Ebro river runoff and relatively high larval concentrations south of the thermal front and its associated anticyclonic eddy. The presence of larvae of thermophilic species of carangids in the northwestern Mediterranean indicates successful reproduction and establishment of these species in the cold part of the basin.     

Effects of Modified Atmospheric Packaging Conditions on the Quality Changes of Pasteurized Oyster (Crassostrea belcheri) Meat during Chilled Storage

ABSTRACT

The effects of different atmospheric conditions on the quality and the shelf life of pasteurized oyster meat in chilled storage were investigated. The alternatives tested for pasteurized oyster meat were normal air (Control), 75% CO₂/25% N₂ (MAP-1), 75% CO₂/25% O₂ (MAP-2), 75% CO₂/5% O₂/20% N₂ (MAP-3), and vacuum packing (VP). The various observations of microbiological (total viable count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hydrogen sulfide–producing bacteria), physical (color coordinates L*, a*, and b*, and cutting strength), chemical (moisture, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and sensory properties were performed every 3 days over a total of 27 days. During storage across all the treatments, L*, a*, cutting strength, pH, moisture content, and sensory scores decreased; whereas, b*, TVB-N, PV, TBARS, and microorganisms increased. However, among the various alternatives, MAP-1 had the best retention of oyster quality during storage. Based on sensory and microbiological qualities, the shelf lives in chilled storage were 9 days for control, 15 days for VP, 21 days for MAP-2 and MAP-3, and 24 days for MAP-1-treated cases.     

Study of Chemical Composition and Efficacy of Different Extracts of Iranian Propolis on the Microbiological and Sensory Parameters of Minced Cyprinus carpio Meat at 4°C Storage

This study has evaluated the effects of different concentrations of the water and ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis (WEP and EEP) on the microbiological and sensory parameters of minced common carp meat that was stored at 4°C for 9 days. The chemical compounds of the extracts were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. The results revealed that WEP and EEP extracts were efficient against the spoilage microorganisms, including total plate counts (TPCs), psychrotrophic populations (PTCs), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and even Staphylococcus aureus. There was a significant difference in the bacteria growth between samples treated with WEP or EEP and the control sample during storage. Inhibitory effects were, respectively, 7% EEP > 5% EEP > 3% EEP > 7% WEP > 5% WEP > 3% WEP. In all treatments, PTC counts were higher than 7 log CFU/g after 6 days as well as TPC, LAB, and S. aureus populations after 9 days. Overall, the results show that EEP and WEP have good antimicrobial activity due to high phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including caffeic acid, tectochrysin, aceacetin, chrysin, pinostrobin, pinobanksin-3-acetate, galangin-3-methyl ester, and pinocembrin chalcone. Sensory evaluation shows very slight improvement in sensory properties (color, odor, texture, and overall acceptability) of the treated samples with the different extracts of Iranian propolis.     

The dissemination of Salmonella by meat and meat products from swine

Pork and pork products which are consumed raw, e.g. mincemeat or fresh Bologna sausage, are relatively often contaminated with salmonellae. In the average of one year we detected salmonellae in about 5% of the samples investigated. Due to seasonal and local influences up to 45% of the minced meat samples can be positive for salmonellae. In minced meat salmonellae grow only at temperatures above 7 degrees C. During frozen storage of meat for several weeks, the salmonella count decreases on an average of about 50%. A damaging of surviving salmonellae by the freezing and thawing process was not observed. On the contrary, in thawed mincemeat stored at 8 degrees C the growth of salmonellae is stimulated, i.e. they grow better than in mincemeat not frozen before. Growth of salmonellae in Bologna sausage ("frische Mettwurst") can be inhibited by adding of at least 2.5% nitrit curing salt, 0.3% glucono-delta-lactone, and lactic acid starter cultures, even if the product is stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees C. Likewise in spreadible and sliceable fermented sausage ("streichf?hige und schnittfeste Rohwurst") no growth of salmonellae is to be expected, if a similar technology secures a sufficient microbiological stability during the ripening and smoking process. Therefore, the dissemination of salmonellae by pork and pork products can be avoided by technological measures, but also by a reasonable conduct of the consumer in the household.     

Improving the Quality of Silver Carp Fish Fillets by Gamma Irradiation and Coatings Containing Rosemary Oil

The objective of this work was to study the combined effect of gamma irradiation and coatings containing 0.5% rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil (RO) on the chemical, microbiological, and sensorial qualities of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fish fillets (SFF) during cold storage (4°C). SFF were divided into three groups: uncoated (control), coated with edible coating (without additives), and γ-irradiated (0, 1, 3, and 5 kGy) coated with coating containing 0.5% rosemary. Gamma irradiation at 1, 3, and 5 kGy with coating reduced the initial total bacterial count, psychrophilic bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria and prolonged shelf life of the samples. Coated samples irradiated at 1 kGy reduced the counts of Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus, as well as eliminating Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp., while coated samples irradiated at 3 and 5 kGy completely eliminated these bacteria. Combined treatment showed a slight increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances postirradiation during cold storage but had no effect on the total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine contents, while a gradual increase in these chemical quality indices was observed during cold storage. Combined treatment had no adverse effects on the sensory properties of SFF. The increase in the bacterial inhibitory effect is caused by both rosemary oil and irradiation.     

Pasteurization Conditions and Evaluation of Quality Parameters of Frozen Packaged Crab Meat

ABSTRACT

Ovalipes trimaculatus is a crab recognized as a new resource with fishing value to obtain frozen products. Pasteurization conditions of meat crab at temperatures below 85ºC (60, 72, and 82ºC) were established to achieve better quality attributes in the frozen product. The lethality curves of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes were measured, and the decimal reduction times (D) and Z values were determined. Heat transfer during the pasteurization process of pouches containing crab meat was simulated using a computational code in finite elements, and the mathematical model was experimentally validated. Thermal histories were coupled to the microbial lethality kinetics of the most heat resistant pathogen microorganism in order to establish pasteurization times necessary for the process system design. The predicted pasteurization conditions were microbiologically validated. The pouches were frozen under industrial conditions and stored at ?22ºC for 1 year. The influence of the type of packaging (vacuum and nonvacuum plastic pouches) on physicochemical and sensory quality parameters of frozen crab meat (color, exudate, lipid oxidation, water holding capacity, and overall acceptability) were analyzed observing better performance under vacuum conditions.     

Effect of the Cooking Process on the Gelling Properties of Whole and Minced Jumbo Lump of Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)

Commercially, crab meat is obtained by hand-picking after a cooking process, followed by pasteurizing or canning. Jumbo lump is one of the pieces of meat obtained from the blue crab. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the commercial cooking process (boiling and steaming) on the mechanical and functional properties of whole jumbo lump and the gels obtained from cooked and minced jumbo lump from blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). The gels were prepared combining the washing process and microbial transglutaminase. The boiling and steaming processes showed a different effect on the textural and color properties. Whole jumbo lump pieces cooked by immersion in boiling water showed a higher hardness value as compared to steamed jumbo lump pieces, suggesting a different internal structural. The cooking processes used in this study did not modify the water holding capacity, gelling capability, or color of the minced jumbo lump. The addition of microbial transglutaminase to washed minced jumbo lump improved the hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of gels elaborated with boiled or steamed jumbo lump, which allowed the textural properties similar to those of the whole jumbo lump.     

Improvement of Antioxidant Activity of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Protein Hydrolysate by Washing and Membrane Removal Pretreatments and Ultrasonic Treatment

To improve the antioxidant activity of grass carp hydrolysate, washing and membrane removal pretreatments and ultrasonic treatment were applied in this study. Various pretreatment methods (washing methods and membrane removal methods) for removing the prooxidants and phospholipid in minced fish were evaluated. The effects of ultrasonic treatment prior to enzyme hydrolysis on the antioxidant activities of minced carp hydrolysate were investigated. The minced carp subjected to washing with 0.4% NaCl solution and subsequent membrane removal with CaCl₂ and citric acid solution had the lowest content of prooxidants and phospholipid remaining in the minced fish. The hydrolysate produced from washing/membrane removal pretreated carp with ultrasonic treatment for 20 min had the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power and scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2?-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals. This suggested that the combination approach of washing/membrane removal pretreatment and ultrasonic treatment could improve the antioxidant activity of carp hydrolysate, and this hydrolysate could be a potential antioxidant ingredient for functional foods.     

Effects of Conservation Method and Time on Fatty Acid Composition,Taste, and Microstructure of Southern King Crab (Lithodes santolla Molina, 1782) Meat

This study reports the changes in fatty acids, taste, and microstructure of cooked southern king crab meat (Lithodes santolla) during storage at 0°C for 10 days and at ?20°C for 90 days. At the end of both storage times, the iodine value decreased by 16.5%, while 83.5% of the initial fatty acid quality remained unchanged. The polyene ratio decreased by 32% at 0°C and 35.9% at ?20°C, whereas the atherogenic and thrombotic indices remained at values that do not represent any risk to human health. Free amino acids that contribute to taste (taste activity value, TAV > 1) were: glycine and alanine (sweetness), arginine (bittersweetness), and histidine (bitterness). The bittersweet taste imparted by arginine (initial TAV = 16.4) was prevalent even at the end of frozen storage (TAV = 7.9). The umami taste was elicited by disodium 5′-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) nucleotide. The equivalent umami concentration in g MSG/100 g meat changed from 0.031 to 0.045 in refrigerated samples and to 1.6 in frozen samples. A loss of the original fibrous structure of the meat was evidenced during both treatments. Refrigerated samples presented a disintegrated and homogeneous texture at 10 days, while freezing formed a spongy tissue at 90 days.     

Changes of Fatty Acid Composition in Frog Legs (Rana esculenta) During Cold Storage Period: Irradiation Effect

This study investigates the changes in fatty acid profile of gamma irradiated frog legs (Rana esculenta) during cold (2°C) storage period. Instead of freezing the frog legs for a prolonged shelf life, gamma irradiated fresh frog legs can be used for consumer satisfaction, because consumers prefer fresh frog legs and are willing to pay more than for frozen in the European market. Frog legs were irradiated at doses of 0, 4, and 5 kGy using ⁶⁰Co sources. The main fatty acids of nonirradiated and irradiated frog legs (4 and 5 kGy) were palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1ω9), linoleic acid (C18:2ω6), and eicosatrienoic acid (C20: 3ω3, ETE). Low doses (4 and 5 kGy) of irradiation treatment had no effect on fatty acid components of frog legs compared to the nonirradiated ones (p > 0.05). The fatty acid composition of frog meat was characterized by its high linoleic acid content (17.1–21.4%). At the initial stage of the storage, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels of frog legs remained unchanged with low doses of irradiation (p < 0.05). These fatty acids decreased significantly in the irradiated group (p < 0.05) at the end of the storage period. However, there were no significant changes in nonirradiated frog legs after 10 days of storage.     

Formation of Biogenic Amines and Associated Biochemical and Microbial Attributes of Whole Sutchi Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) during Iced Storage

Sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a highly preferred farmed species that is produced in huge quantities. Meat from ice-stored (4 ± 2°C) whole Sutchi catfish was evaluated for formation of biogenic amines, such as putrescine, cadaverine, histamine (HIM), agmatine, tyramine, spermine, and spermidine, and compared with biochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes during 22 days. Analysis of content of biogenic amines in the meat was carried out by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using a without derivatization method. Three amines, namely, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine, were only present on 0^th day of storage. Presence of cadaverine was noticed from 9^th day onwards, where the aerobic plate count (APC) reached 4.85 log CFU/g. Putrescine was detected on the 22^nd day of storage, where the APC crossed 7 log CFU/g. HIM was detected in lower quantities from 3^rd day onwards. A shelf life of 15 days was determined based on sensory and microbiological evaluation. Although the samples were biochemically acceptable throughout the storage period, APC exceeded the limit on day 19, and the gradual increase of H₂S-producing bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Aeromonas, and Enterobacteriaceae, was observed during storage.     

Protein Dispersions and Hydrolysates from Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)

Manually-deboned muscles of shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) were ground and then washed sequentially with water, 0.5% NaCl and 0.5% NaHC0₃ solutions. Washed myofibrillar proteins were dispersed in water and then acidified. Dispersions so obtained were stable to heat treatment at 100°C followed by centrifugation at 5000 x g, as approximately 90% of proteins remained in solution. The acidified dispersions had low solubility in the pH range of 5 to 8, but were highly soluble under other pH conditions. Apparent viscosity of dispersions was dependent on temperature, pH and protein concentration. The amino acid composition and calculated protein efficiency ratio (PER) of washed proteins were similar to that of the original meat; howevcr, over 85% of free amino acids were removed upon aqueous washings of the meat. Hydrolysates obtained via an Alcalase-assisted process from the original shark muscles or washed myofibrillar proteins exhibited unique functional characteristics with respect to their water-holding capacity and emulsifying properties.     

Impact of Dietary Oil Source on the Shelf-Life of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

Gilthead seabream were fed two diets containing 100% fish oil (FO) or a 75% vegetable oil blend (VO) (50/50 soybean and rapeseed oil) in order to study the effect on shelf life. The fish were stored at 4 ± 1ºC for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses were performed. The fatty acid composition of muscle reflected the profile of dietary lipids. A smaller quantity of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) in the VO group resulted in lower lipid oxidation. In this group, lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were observed during the storage and an increase in saturated fatty acid (SFAs) occurred later than in the group FO. Higher water holding capacity (WHC) of muscle was also observed in the VO group. A higher redness (a* value) was observed in the VO group, although discoloration occurred with the same intensity in both groups. Despite the differences among groups observed in psychrophilic and Pseudomonas counts and in some sensory attributes, shelf-life was equal for both groups.     

Physiological responses and HSP70 mRNA expression of GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under cold stress

An investigation on the physiological responses and HSP70 expression under cold stress was conducted on Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia were acclimated at 28°C as control and then the water temperature was reduced from 28°C to 15°C at a rate of 1°C h^?1, and serum biochemical indices, antioxidant enzymes and expression of HSP70 mRNA were analysed on days 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 after exposure to 15°C. The concentration of serum K, Na, Cl and Ca concentration showed instability during cold stress. Glucose rapidly increased on day 0 followed by a declining trend. Triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol signifi‐cantly decreased and high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol showed instability during cold stress. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were prominently elevated under cold stress. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a remarkable rise on day 0.5 under cold stress, and gradually decreased thereafter. HSP70 mRNA level significantly increased both in liver and muscle under cold stress, especially on days 0.5 and 1. These results suggest that cold influences several physiological responses of tilapia, and the cold resistance and cold tolerance of tilapia will benefit from the enhancement of antioxidant enzymes activities and upregulated HSP70 mRNA expression.     

Study of the dose of thyme essential oil in feed to prolong the shelf life of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The effect of thyme essential oil (Thymus zygis, subspecies gracilis) on the quality and shelf life of gilthead seabream was studied, when added to the diet: a control diet and four experimental diets (T500, T1000, T1500, T2000) with 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg kg^?1 of thyme essential oil, respectively. After 12 weeks of experimentation, the fish were stored on ice at 4 °C for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. Physical–chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out at each sampling point to determine the degree of deterioration. A dose‐dependent effect was observed on the colour, TBARS and total volatile basic nitrogen during the storage. Microbiological counts were lower for Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms at high doses of the essential oil. The sensory analysis showed an effect on the quality index that was not dependent on the dose, which extended the shelf life of gilthead seabream from 17 to 18 days for all doses.