Influence of Chitosan Nanocomposite and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract Coating on Quality of Huso huso Fillet Inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes During Refrigerated Storage

This study aimed to evaluate the antilisterial and antioxidative effects of chitosan nanocomposites and rosemary extract coating on the fillet of Huso huso inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes during refrigerated storage (4°C). Fish fillets were subjected as control (without coating), 0.5% rosemary extract (RE), 1% chitosan (CS), and combination of chitosan and rosemary extract as chitosan nanocomposite (CS/RE). Then, samples were inoculated with L. monocytogenes. Subsequently, the chemical parameters (total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), pH, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA)) and antilisterial effects of coatings were monitored during 16 days of storage at 4°C. According to the results, CS/RE demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) ability to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes from 4.14 log cfu/g to 2.23 log cfu/g at the end of the storage period, followed by CT and RET treatments, respectively, compared to the control. Even though samples coated with CS/RE had the lowest pH and TVB-N values (p < 0.05), this coating was not able to pause the protein denaturation after 8 days of storage (p > 0.05) compared to the other treatments. On the other hand, CS/RE coating retarded lipid oxidation by decreasing PV and TBA production in the samples compared to the control up to the end of refrigerated storage (p < 0.05).     

Listeria monocytogenes is inhibited on fillets of cold‐smoked sunshine bass,Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis,with an edible corn zein‐based coating incorporated with lemongrass essential oil or nisin

Ready‐to‐eat (RTE) foods have been identified as a high‐risk food group because of the number of outbreaks caused by food‐borne pathogens isolated from these products. As these items receive no further processing or heat treatment prior to consumption, bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes present a serious threat to consumer safety. Of particular concern, L. monocytogenes is resistant to various food storage techniques, including reduced or modified atmosphere packaging, refrigerated storage, and increased salt concentration. Cold‐smoked fishery products have been implicated in a number of listeriosis cases, where it is estimated that between 6 and 36% of cold‐smoked fish is contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Edible coatings incorporated with natural antimicrobials have been suggested to control pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on a variety of meat products. In this study, edible zein‐based coatings incorporated with nisin and lemongrass essential oil (LG) (8%) were evaluated for antibacterial action against L. monocytogenes and spoilage organisms on cold‐smoked, cultured hybrid striped bass, Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops, under polyvinyl chlorine (PVC) and vacuum packaging for 14 days (PVC) and 42 days (vacuum packaging), respectively, at 4°C. In this study, corn zein‐based edible coatings were found to be an effective carrier for nisin and LG. Nisin‐treated samples were most effective against L. monocytogenes in both PVC and vacuum‐packaged fillets, with a total reduction of 3.5 log and 3.7 log, respectively over the length of the storage time. LG‐treated samples reduced L. monocytogenes cell counts by 2.5 log in PVC and 1.7 log in vacuum‐packaged samples. Only LG‐treated samples packaged in PVC were found to inhibit the growth of spoilage organisms. Because nisin‐ and LG‐treated fillets reduced L. monocytogenes, they may be useful methods to improve food safety in smoked seafood.     

Quality and Shelf-Life Assessment of Pasteurized Trout Soup During Refrigerated Storage

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality changes of pasteurized soup prepared from smoked trout trimmings during 8 months of refrigerated storage at 3°C. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA, mg malonaldehyde/kg), total volatile content (TVB-N, mg N/100 g), total aerobic mesophilic plate count, pH value, color measurement, and sensory evaluation were used to determine quality changes. After 8 months of storage, TBA values reached 0.83 ± 0.09 mg malonaldehyde/kg. Despite a marked increase in the TBA value at Month 8, the soup was still of acceptable quality. The TVB-N value was close to the European Commission limit on fresh fish at Month 4, and further increase was not significant (p > 0.05). Total aerobic mesophilic count reached a maximum value of 4.15 ± 0.23 log cfu/g at Month 2 with 3.20 ± 0.02 log cfu/g at Month 8. The soup had an overall acceptability score of 7.16 ± 0.68 (“like moderately” on a 1- to 9-point hedonic scale). Results suggest that smoked trout trimmings can be used to maximize the value of co-products by producing a ready-to-eat soup.     

Edible Corn‐zein‐based Coating Incorporated with Nisin or Lemongrass Essential Oil Inhibits Listeria monocytogenes on Cultured Hybrid Striped Bass,Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis,Fillets During Refrigerated and Frozen Storage

Listeria monocytogenes presents a serious threat to consumer safety because it is resistant to various food storage techniques, including reduced or modified atmosphere packaging, refrigerated storage, and increased salt concentration. Edible coatings incorporated with natural antimicrobials have been suggested to control pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on a variety of meat products. In this study, edible zein‐based coatings incorporated with nisin and lemongrass essential oil (LGEO; 8%) were evaluated for antibacterial action against L. monocytogenes and spoilage organisms on fresh, cultured hybrid striped bass, Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops, under two storage conditions (refrigerated or frozen) and two packaging types (polyvinyl chloride [PVC] and vacuum packing) over time. Corn‐zein‐based edible coatings were found to be an effective carrier for nisin and LGEO. Fillets coated with nisin showed the largest decrease in L. monocytogenes cell counts in both PVC and vacuum‐packaged samples in both refrigerated and frozen product, while fillets coated with LGEO showed intermediate inhibition of L. monocytogenes cell counts, with the strongest LGEO antibacterial effect being found in frozen product regardless of packaging. Both nisin and LGEO treatments were most effective in PVC‐packaged fillets compared to vacuum‐packaged fillets, but the difference in bacterial loads between packaging methods was minor. Bacterial loads on refrigerated product tended to increase slightly after 5‐d storage regardless of coating treatment or packaging, whereas bacterial loads on frozen product remained stable or decreased with time up to 60 d regardless of coating treatment or packaging. Data from the present study indicate that application of edible coatings incorporated with essential oils not only promotes food product safety but also may satisfy the preferences of consumers.     

Assessing and enhancing the antimicrobial effect of nisin in soy-seasoned salmon Oncorynchus keta roe using a Pediococcus pentosaceus fermentate and pectin

The compatibility and potential of nisin, a Pediococcus pentosaceus fermentate, and pectin to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes in soy-seasoned salmon roe at 5 and 12°C was studied. The compatibility of nisin and soy-seasoning was assessed by adding 6.3 μg/g of nisin to freshly washed or soy-seasoned (60% soy, 15% sweet-sake, 5% sugar, and 15% water) roe and monitoring the growth of an inoculum of L. monocytogenes (5.6 Log CFU/g; strains IID 578, IID 581, ATCC 7644) as well as residual nisin concentrations at 12°C. The combined antimicrobial potential was determined by monitoring growth of the inoculum (5.2 Log CFU/g) in roe when the soy-seasoning contained nisin (0.05 g/ml), fermentate powder made by freeze-drying a broth culture of P. pentosaceus (0.1 g/ml), and 2% pectin at 5 or 12°C. Chloride content, total acid content, and the effect of pectin on acceptability of roe were also determined. Nisin was more effective in soy-seasoned roe than in freshly washed roe. Microbial growth was completely inhibited by a combination of soy-seasoning, nisin, the fermentate, and pectin. Despite its viscosity, pectin did not significantly affect the chemical properties or acceptability of roe relative to pectin-free roe samples (P < 0.05). Based on these results, we conclude that nisin’s potential as an antimicrobial agent in soy-seasoned roe can be enhanced using fermentates and pectin.     

Microbial Quality,Safety, and Sensory Acceptability of X-ray Treated Fresh Channel Catfish Fillets

This study was designed to determine if treatment with low dose X‐ray irradiation changes microbial quality (microbial load), safety (Listeria monocytogenes incidence), and sensory characteristics (aroma, appearance, and texture) of fresh aquacultured Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fillets during refrigerated storage. Fillets were treated to 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy using an X‐ray irradiator and stored at 3°C for 17 days. Fillet aerobic plate count (APC), psychrotrophic plate count (PPC), total coliform count (TCC), and L. monocytogenes incidence were measured every 4 days during storage. A Difference-From-Control test was used to measure aroma, appearance, and texture. Fillet microbial counts were significantly different (p < 0.05) with time, irradiation dose, and the interaction of these two treatments. As expected, APC, PPC, and TCC increased as storage time increased. Overall L. monocytogenes incidence was 40%, 27%, 0%, and 7% at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy, respectively. Aroma of irradiated and non‐irradiated catfish fillets was significantly different, with greater aroma differences recorded as storage time increased due to progressional spoilage of the untreated controls. However, there were no significant aroma differences noted among the different irradiation doses. Neither appearance nor texture was significantly different between any treatments throughout testing. This study indicated that exposure to low dose X-ray irradiation improved the microbial quality and safety of fresh catfish fillets without affecting sensory acceptability at time of purchase.     

Effects of Ozonated Water Treatment on the Microbial Population,Quality, and Shelf Life of Shucked Oysters (Crassostrea plicatula)

An ozonated water treatment system was designed for the sanitation of shucked oysters (Crassostrea plicatula). The effects of ozone (O₃) on shelf life were examined under refrigerated conditions (4 ± 1°C). Microbiological, chemical, and color quality were also evaluated by determining total aerobic plate counts (APC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and L, a, and b values. Single and orthogonal experiment results showed that oysters treated with 9 mg/L of O₃ in aqueous solution (oyster: ozonated water = 1:6, w/v) for 10 min at 5°C significantly reduced the total APC by about 2-log—from 4.97 ± 0.11 to 2.93 ± 0.17 log CFU/g (p < 0.05). O₃ treatment did not cause significant changes in TVB-N, TBA, a, and b values, although L values were significantly affected. During refrigerated storage, O₃-treated samples expressed lower TVB-N, TBA, a, and b values and higher L values than control samples. The shelf life of O₃-treated samples was 20 to 25 days, while that for the controls was 5 to 10 days. The current study confirms that treatment with ozonated water can effectively prolong the shelf life and maintain the quality of oysters.     

Pasteurizing Cold Smoked Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): Thermal Inactivation Kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua

Listeria monocytogenes results in potential food safety concerns in ready-to-eat refrigerated products. Cold-smoked salmon is a food considered to be at high risk for Listeria spp. contamination for which a mild heat treatment or pasteurization step might be helpful to reduce microbial levels. Cold-smoked salmon was inoculated with a cocktail of four strains (L. monocytogenes: ATCC19114, 7644, and 19113, and L. innocua: ATCC51742) and inactivation curves obtained at 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66°C using capillary tube methods. Inactivation results showed typical log linear trends (R² ≥ 0.97). D-values of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua were 0.3 to 14.1 min at 66 to 58°C, with a z-value of 5.2 to 6.5°C and activation energy of 332 to 414 kJ/mol. The nonpathogenic Listeria innocua ATCC51742 had comparable D- and z-values to the three strains of L. monocytogenes and thus can be used for validation of pasteurization processes to control L. monocytogenes in cold-smoked salmon and potentially other ready-to-eat thermolabile food products.     

Incidence,Growth, and Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in Cooked and Peeled Cold-Water Shrimp

ABSTRACT

Cooked and peeled cold-water shrimp (Pandalus jordani) naturally contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes were obtained from a processor for a series of studies to determine the level of contamination and growth characteristics of this bacterium in the naturally contaminated product. L. monocytogenes was isolated from every 25-g sample of individually quick frozen (IQF) shrimp that was tested. The level of contamination in each composite sample ranged from 5 to 16 colony forming units (CFU) per 25 g. When individual shrimp taken from the 25-g sample portions were tested separately, samples positive for L. monocytogenes ranged from 1 of 12 to 5 of 15 shrimp tested. The project also evaluated the effectiveness of three methods to inactivate the bacterium: ozone, chlorine dioxide, and steam as possible product reconditioning strategies. Ozone and chlorine dioxide were both found to be ineffective reconditioning treatments for shrimp naturally contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Experiments with steam conducted at the laboratory and later at the shrimp processing plant verified that shrimp contaminated with L. monocytogenes could be safely reconditioned by steam pasteurization. Steam was used successfully to pasteurize several thousand pounds of contaminated shrimp in the processing plant. When the naturally contaminated product was packaged in either oxygen-permeable or impermeable films and stored at 5°C and 10°C, the product was deemed spoiled by sensory evaluation after 9 days of storage, at which time the L. monocytogenes population were 3 × 10⁴ CFU per g. By comparison, when an isolate (strain 4311) from naturally contaminated shrimp was inoculated onto the pasteurized shrimp at a concentration of 12 cells /25g, the L. monocytogenes population reached 3.0 × 10⁸ per g after 9 days of storage. The pasteurization process used in this study would not be effective in inactivation of Clostridium botulinum. Ready-to-eat-shrimp must therefore be stored below 3°C or frozen.     

Quality Indices of Cooked Southern King Crab (Lithodes santolla Molina, 1782) Meat During Storage at 0 and −20°C

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to determine the changes in quality of cooked southern king crab (Lithodes santolla) meat during storage at 0°C for 5 and 10 days and ?20°C for 10, 30, 60, and 90 days. Chemical indices varied from the initial to the final storage time in refrigerated and frozen samples as follows: TVB-N, 15.8–29.2 and 15.8–23.2 mg/100 g; TMA, 0.0–8.3 and 0.0–1.2 mg/100 g; formaldehyde, 0.5–8.6 and 0.5–3.7 mg/kg; indole, 3.3–20.7 and 3.3–6.6 µg/100 g; lactic acid, 16.4–39.1 and 16.4–16.6 mg/100 g; and P ratio, 0–28.4 and 0–5.2%, respectively. The total nucleotide content rendered 6.77 µmol/g, with adenosine monophosphate (AMP) the main component. The nucleotide indices varied in refrigerated and frozen samples as follows: K, 7.37–27.5 and 7.37–10.3%; Ki, 58.3–86.5 and 58.3–82.7%; H, 30.2–54.9 and 30.2–38.0%; G, 19.4–57.8 and 19.4–15.8%; P, 17.2–42.3 and 17.2–14.7%; and Fr, 41.6–13.4 and 41.6–17.3%, respectively. Biogenic amines found at both storage temperatures were spermine, spermidine, tyramine, and agmatine. Spermine may be considered as a potential freshness index for refrigerated samples and spermidine for frozen storage. The tyramine level should be monitored. During the storage period tested, none of the chemical indices studied exceeded the legal limits.     

Impact of Feeding Status on the Efficacy of Depuration for Decontaminating Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes acute human gastroenteritis and is often linked to consumption of raw oysters. Previous investigations indicated that refrigerated seawater depuration at 12.5°C could significantly reduce V. parahaemolyticus contamination in Pacific oysters; however, further optimization is necessary to achieve the regulatory target of >3.52 log most probable number (MPN)/g reduction. The current study investigated influences of algal feeding on efficacy of depuration to reduce V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters. A V. parahaemolyticus cocktail (10290, 10292, 10293, BE 98–2029, 027-1c1) was mixed in artificial seawater (70 L) to inoculate oysters (n = 35) at 4–5 log MPN/g. Inoculated oysters were subjected to depuration with feed (algae = 0.036 ml/gram of oyster) and without feed at 12.5°C. Oysters (n = 5) were analyzed for V. parahaemolyticus using a three-tube MPN method after 0, 1, 3, 5, and 6 days of depuration. Depuration (6 days) achieved average V. parahaemolyticus reductions of 2.75 log MPN/g and 3.03 log MPN/g in the fed and unfed systems, respectively; however, feeding status did not significantly impact the efficacy of depuration to reduce V. parahaemolyticus in Pacific oysters. Further optimization of depuration is necessary to achieve the regulatory target for V. parahaemolyticus decontamination in raw oysters.     

Changes During Chilled Storage of Whole Tilapia and Short-Term Frozen Storage of Tilapia Fillets

This study evaluated the physicochemical changes in Nile tilapia (n = 82, 373.71 ± 61.91 g) refrigerated for up to 92 h and in the frozen fillets. The tilapias were captured with nets, slaughtered by ice and water shock (1:1) in a temperature of approximately 2°C for 30 min, and stored refrigerated at 4°C in polystyrene boxes containing ice. The fish were filleted, and filets were weighed and frozen. The drip loss and protein were determined after 23 days of frozen storage. After 4 h of storage, all fish were in full rigor mortis. The pH of the muscles decreased for up to 45 h of the storage period. The fillets obtained from tilapia stored for more than 72 h lost more weight and protein. Thus, the filleting or processing of tilapia should be done before 72 h of cold storage, since deterioration of the fish starts to occur after this period.     

Biochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Crucifix Crab (Charybdis feriatus) Stored at 4°C

Charybdis feriatus is a highly prized crab in the local and international markets of East Asian countries. In local markets, crabs are sold live, iced, or refrigerated at 2°C – 4°C. The present study was carried out to determine the shelf life of whole crab stored at 4°C for 192 h using a set of biochemical, microbiological, and sensorial parameters. Biochemical indicators such as the total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) increased significantly during storage and within an acceptable limit up to 144 h. Regarding the biogenic amines, cadaverine and spermidine increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the storage period. Among them, cadaverine could be proposed as a useful spoilage indicator for this crab species. The mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial count exceeded the limit of acceptance after 144 h of storage. Sensory attributes were gradually diminished with the storage time. Sensory scores were found to correlate well with both mesophiles and psychrotrophs. Based on the results of this study, the meat quality of Charybdis feriatus can be maintained up to 144 h when properly stored at a temperature of 4°C ± 1°C.     

Histamine and Histidine in New Zealand Marine Fish and Shellfish Species,Particularly Kahawai (Arripis trutta)

Forty-seven retail samples of fish (28 species) were tested for levels of free histidine, histamine and aerobic plate counts. Five samples had elevated levels (≥ 20 mg/100 g) of histamine and all had < 100 mg/100 g. Three species had free histidine levels of more than 1000 mg/l00 g and these have been implicated in scombroid poisoning in New Zealand. One species with high histidine levels, kahawai (Arripis trutta), was chosen to determine the conditions under which potentially hazardous levels of histamine might develop. Two trials were carried out in which kahawai were stored under 17 regimes at temperatures between 0 and 35°C. For 10 of these treatments the fish were transferred from elevated storage temperatures to refrigerated storage during the trials. Levels of histidine and histamine, aerobic plate counts at 20°C and 35°C and sensory quality were monitored. The levels of free histidine in kahawai varied with season, and in Trial 2 there was a net loss of histidine + histamine during storage. Bleeding kahawai did not significantly affect the levels of histidine. Histamine levels varied greatly in fish held under identical conditions. Fish held at ambient temperatures developed the highest levels of histamine. Elevated histamine levels (> 20 mg/100 g) were first recorded in fish stored for 0.9, 0.9, 1, 2, 2.7, and 8 days at 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10°C respectively. Storage at 5°C after storage at higher temperatures did not result in elevated levels. Of the 59 samples with elevated histamine levels, 9 had acceptable sensory characteristics while all had aerobic plate counts exceeding 10⁶ colony-forming units/g. Aerobic plate counts at 20°C are recommended over those at 35°C. It is concluded that fresh kahawai will only present a hazard from scombroid poisoning under conditions of extreme temperature abuse and that the presence of high numbers of bacteria is a good indicator of the hazard while sensory quality is not.     

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.     

The Effect of Whey Protein Isolate Coating Enriched with Thyme Essential Oils on Trout Quality at Refrigerated Storage (4 ± 2°C)

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) coating enriched with thyme essential oil (EO; 3, 5, and 7%, v/v) on whole trout chemical and microbial quality during refrigerated storage at 4 ± 2°C. As a result of this study, the addition of thyme essential oil to WPI coatings enhanced quality significantly better than that of the control and WPI coating without thyme essential oil during refrigerated storage, and this effect increased with an increase in the thyme EO concentration in WPI coating.     

Kinetics of Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen and Trimethylamine Formation in Stored Rohu (Labeo rohita) Fish

Fish freshness estimation has been mostly studied in terms of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) determination and partially addresses the kinetics, which limits its practical utility. In this study, TVB-N and TMA-N content of Rohu stored under limited refrigerated (5 and 0°C) and frozen (?5°C) conditions for 42 days showed an increasing trend, respectively. TVB-N and TMA-N formation in stored Rohu was higher at higher temperature and their initial and final values were found 4.57 ± 0.321, 0.14 ± 0.047 mg/100g and 46.56 ± 0.994, 3.24 ± 0.112 mg/100g, respectively. The volatile formations in Rohu at ?5°C were slow, as the frozen storage arrests the enzymatic and microbial activities in comparison to 0°C and above. The kinetics of TVB-N and TMA-N were investigated using zero, first, and nth-order reaction model. First-order kinetics exhibited the best fit model for TVB-N (R² = 0.98; χ² = 0.045), whereas TMA-N formation showed nth-order kinetics (n = ?0.4608, R² = 0.96, χ² = 0.028) as best fit model. The first-order kinetic reaction contributed activation energy of 58.16 kJ/mol for TVB-N and 10.86 kJ/mol for TMA-N. TVB-N and TMA-N formations were influenced by storage temperature and duration as expected. Kinetic parameters were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by storage temperatures.     

Processing Method Effect on Texture,Color, and Microbial Load of Channel Catfish Fillets

Abstract

Catfish shelf life depends largely on post-harvest handling and storage conditions. Three methods of processing catfish fillets were studied to evaluate quality and shelf life. In one method catfish were hand-dressed, chilled in water at 0°C, and hand-filleted (HC). In the other methods, catfish were mechanically filleted and chilled immediately (MC) or held unchilled for one hour at 18°C prior to chilling (MU). All fillets were stored in HDPE bags at 2°C for analyses at 0, 3, 6, and 9 d. Shear force for MC and MU fillets decreased (P ≤ 0.05) to the same levels as HC fillets after 3 d storage. HC fillets had higher (P ≤ 0.05) ‘L’ and ‘b’ and lower ‘a’ values than MU or MC fillets throughout storage. Initial psychrotrophic counts (PPC) were lower (P ≤ 0.05) for MC (3.9 log CFU/g) and MU (4.1 log CFU/g) than for HC fillets (5.2 log CFU/g). The PPC increased (P ≤ 0.05) after 3 and 6 d in HC and MU fillets, respectively. Coliform growth showed similar patterns as PPC. Spoilage levels indicated a doubling in shelf life of machine-cut fillets (～8 d) as compared to hand-cut fillets (～4 d).