Low-Dose X-Ray Treatment of Fresh Channel Catfish Fillets Does Not Affect Color,Texture, or Oxidation

Consumer uncertainty of irradiated food products has slowed implementation of food irradiation, even though it has been proven as a safe and effective technology. For acceptance, irradiated products should not be distinguishable from alternatively processed products. The present research was designed to determine if X-ray irradiation treatment results in changes in selected quality parameters (color, texture, and oxidation) of fresh aquacultured channel catfish fillets. Fillets (Ictalurus punctatus) 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. Periodically during storage, samples were removed and instrumentally measured for color, texture, and oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Color, texture, and oxidation did not change (p > 0.05) over time or with irradiation dose. Results indicated that low-dose X-ray treated raw catfish fillets were not distinguishable from untreated controls.     

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.     

Effect of Liquid Smoke Dipping and Packaging Method on the Keeping Quality of Raw and Cooked Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) Fillets

Changes in biochemical and sensory attributes of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fillets during storage treated by immersion in a 12% NaCl brine with or without 0.2% liquid smoke were investigated. Brine-treated chub mackerel fillets were packaged in modified atmosphere or under vacuum and were stored at 4°C. The brined fillets were stored and evaluated raw and after heat treatment as cooked samples. Fish fillets were assessed organoleptically to determine acceptability and by measuring the pH, oxidation levels (TBARS test), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN). Fillets treated in brine with liquid smoke exhibited similar pH and significantly lower TBARS and TVBN values (p < 0.05). The combination of the use of brines containing liquid smoke and subsequent vacuum packaging produced the lowest TBARS and TVBN values and resulted in extended acceptability.     

Effects of Packaging Method on Salt-Cured Cod Yield and Quality During Storage

Different packaging conditions of salt-cured cod fillets were studied during 2-years chilled storage. Yield and quality of salt-cured Atlantic cod fillets packed in sealed polystyrene boxes or in traditional cardboard boxes were compared. After 4 months, yield decreased by approximately 10% and decreased further when packed in cardboard boxes. Lipid oxidation was low after 12 months, and no microbiological spoilage was registered. The total amount of bacteria in the fish reduced with storage time, independent of packaging. The reddish color of halophilic bacteria was detected after 7–8 weeks at 18°C, but not if packed with MAP.     

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.     

Evaluation and Optimization of Chemical Treatments for Reducing Yellow Discoloration of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Fillets During Cold Storage

The effects of chemical treatments on color change of yellow discolored catfish fillets during both refrigerated and frozen storage were investigated in this work. For the refrigerated storage (4°C), the effects of concentration of sodium bisulfite on reducing the yellow discoloration were studied. Compared to the untreated fillets, sodium bisulfite treatments with concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 1.50% could evidently reduce the yellowness and increase the brightness of the fillets after 7 days refrigerated storage. Since no notable improvement was observed when increasing the concentration of sodium bisulfite beyond 1.0%, the concentration range of 0.75–1.0% is recommended in this work. For the frozen storage (?20°C), the effects of sodium bisulfite and sodium bicarbonate treatments were investigated. Both 1.0% sodium bisulfite and 0.5% sodium bicarbonate treatments made the fillets slightly less yellow and less red. The 1.0% sodium bisulfite treatment also made the fillets slightly brighter. These effects were similar to those under refrigerated storage, but the changes in color were much less. The color changes were related to the degradation of carotenoids in the discolored fillets. The low temperature of frozen storage significantly limited the reaction rates and suppressed the color change processes.     

Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Avishan Shirazi) Essential Oil on Oxidative Progress in Frozen Cobia Fish Fillets During Storage

Antioxidants have been widely used as additives to provide protection against oxidative degradation of foods by free radicals. The effect of thyme essence (Zataria multiflora Boiss) on the rancidity development in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fillets during frozen storage was studied. Cobia fillets were treated with thyme essence (250 and 500 ppm) and then stored at??18°C for up to 6 months. Rancidity development was measured by several biochemical indices including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and complemented by sensory analysis (flesh odor, consistency, and appearance). Also, pH and expressible moisture were measured during 6-month storage. Proximate composition was also determined in the first day. TBA, PV, and FFA levels increased in all treatments due to lipid oxidation. Thyme essence showed an antioxidative effect in cobia fillets during frozen storage as indicated by TBA, PV, and FFA levels. Results showed that FFA, primary and secondary oxidation products, expressible moisture (EM), and pH of thyme essence treated samples were significantly lower than those of the control samples (p < 0.05). Thyme essence retarded oxidative changes in frozen cobia fillets, and the best oxidation inhibition was obtained using thyme essence at 500 ppm.     

Effect of Chitosan-Gelatin Composite and Bi-Layer Coating Combined with Pomegranate Peel Extract on Quality Properties of Belanger’s Croaker (Johnius Belangerii) Stored in Refrigerator

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan-gelatin coating with two different methods (composite and bi-layer) in combination with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on the microbiological (mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae) and chemical (total volatile bases-nitrogen (TVB-N), pH, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and free fatty acid (FFA)) properties of Belanger’s croaker (Johnius belangerii) fillets during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C). In this study, composite coating (CC), bilayer coating (BC), CC+PPE, and BC+PPE led to 6.88, 7.00, 6.52, and 6.32 log₁₀ CFU/g reduction in mesophilic bacteria, 6.67, 7.02, 5.35, and 4.21 log₁₀ CFU/g in PTC and 2.99, 2.71, 2.37, and 2.41 log₁₀ CFU/g, compared with control sample for 16 days storage time, respectively. Chitosan-gelatin coating enriched with PPE has retarding effects on spoilage of fish samples, thus extending the shelf life during refrigerated storage. The quality characteristics of croaker treated with chitosan-gelatin coating combined with PPE were better than those treated by chitosan-gelatin coating or PPE alone during the storage, exhibiting that there is a synergistic effect between chitosan-gelatin coating and PPE. The bi-layer coating was better than one composite coating in combination with PPE in reducing lipid oxidation of fillets.     

Antioxidant Properties of Chitosan Coatings on Frozen Atlantic Salmon Fillet Portions

Atlantic salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids, which play important roles in promoting human health but are highly susceptible to oxidation. Chitosan has been shown to have antioxidant properties which could be beneficial in extending the shelf life of Atlantic salmon; however, the effects of chitosan molecular size on oxidation of salmon fillets have not been reported. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan coatings on lipid oxidation of Atlantic salmon fillet portions during 5 months frozen storage. The effects of chitosan molecular weight (high molecular weight, low molecular weight, and enzymatically degraded chitosan), concentration (0.5 and 1.0%), and the addition of 1% ascorbic acid to the chitosan coating were evaluated. Chitosan molecular weight significantly affected oxidation as evaluated by propanal levels and changes in L* values of the fillet portions. The chitosan treatment with added ascorbic acid resulted in the lowest propanal levels during 5 months of frozen storage. Manipulation of chitosan molecular weight and incorporation of natural antioxidants into chitosan coatings can provide an effective method of reducing lipid oxidation during extended frozen storage of seafood products.     

Evaluation of Egg White Protein-Based Coatings to Improve the Protection of Frozen Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

ABSTRACT

The effects of different egg white protein coatings on Atlantic salmon quality preservation after 4 months of frozen storage were evaluated. These coatings increased the yield of the fillets and protected them from lipid oxidation, providing better protection than glazing. Egg white protein coatings were better options than glazing to preserve salmon color during frozen storage. The best results were obtained with the application of coatings before freezing. No clear effects of the type and concentration of plasticizer in most quality parameters were found. Egg white protein + glycerol 2:1 applied before freezing was the best coating for frozen Atlantic salmon protection.     

Influence of α-tocopherol acetate on the short- and long-term storage properties of fillets from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar fed a high lipid diet

During refrigeration, lipid oxidation is a major factor contributing to post-mortem deterioration of flesh quality. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially n -3 PUFA, are present in high concentration in fish tissues, and in oils used in diets, and are readily susceptible to peroxidation. α-Tocopherol (AT) can reduce tissue lipid peroxidation in vivo and post mortem. The effect of increasing the tissue level of AT by dietary supplementation of α-tocopherol acetate (ATA) was therefore investigated. Commercial salmon diets C, M and H, high in lipids, containing 184, 573 and 865 mg ATA kg⁻¹ diet DM (dry matter) were fed to 18 fish per treatment. Dietary AT: PUFA ratios were 2.0, 6.3, and 9.5 mg g⁻¹ for diets C, M and H, respectively. Fish (mean initial live weight 630 g) were slaughtered after 50 and 78 days of feeding. Fillet samples were analysed fresh or after storage at 4 °C for 12 days and –20 °C for 12 months. Lipid oxidation was measured using the thiobarbituric acid test. Colour score, but not carotenoid content, of fillets was significantly higher between 6 and 12 days of fresh storage in fish fed diets M and H compared with those fed diet C. Colour score, carotenoid content and ΑΤ content decreased and the content of lipid oxidation products increased following storage of fillets at –20 °C for up to 12 months, although lipid oxidation was always significantly lower in fish fed diets M and H.     

Effect of Soluble CO2 Stabilization on the Quality of Fillets from Farmed Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) and European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

ABSTRACT

Soluble gas stabilization (SGS) is a relatively recent methodology of active packaging that has been proposed to extend the shelf life of packaged fish. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of SGS applied at different extents (2 bars: 30 and 60 min) on the shelf life of sea bream and sea bass fillets packed in air during chilled storage. Quality changes were evaluated by sensory assessment, microbiological analysis (TVC), TBARs, pH value, TVB-N, and TMA-N. No significant extension of sensory shelf life was visible as a function of SGS treatment. The treatment of fillets in CO₂ at 2 bars during 60 min had a positive effect on the microbiological shelf life of both species. On the other hand, TMA-N and TVB-N showed similar changes during storage period and were not affected by the CO₂ treatment. Sea bream treated with SGS always presented higher TBARs than control samples. Nevertheless, oxidation of sea bream and in particular, of sea bass fillets, did not appear to be a significant problem during chilled storage.     

Color and Carotenoid Content Changes of Yellow Discolored Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Fillets during Refrigerated Storage

Yellow pigment deposition is a quality defect associated with channel catfish fillets. This study evaluated the relationship between fillet color and carotenoid contents as well as the effect of refrigerated storage on the color and carotenoid content of discolored catfish fillets. The color and carotenoid content of the yellow fillets were analyzed using the L, a, b‐color system and high performance liquid chromatography analysis, respectively. A strong linear relationship between visual yellowness (i.e., the b‐values) of fresh catfish fillets and the sum of three major carotenoid contents was observed. Yellow discolored catfish fillets became darker and more yellow during 12 d of refrigerated storage. However, the total carotenoid content of yellow fillets decreased or remained unchanged during storage. Results suggest that while the yellow discoloration of fresh catfish fillets is related to carotenoid contents, the intensification of the discoloration during storage appears to be related to another chemical phenomenon.     

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.     

Quality of Filleted Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber Scombrus) During Chilled and Frozen Storage: Changes in Lipids,Vitamin D,Proteins, and Small Metabolites,including Biogenic Amines

Quality changes of vacuum-packed Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets during 12 months’ frozen storage at ?27°C and 9 days’ chilled storage at +4°C were evaluated. Freezing at ?27°C preserved the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), both in light and dark muscle, vitamin D, and the low molecular weight metabolites (LMW) (studied by high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, HR NMR). Protein oxidation took place, especially between 1 and 7 months, decreasing water holding capacity and protein extractability. During chilled storage, no lipid or protein oxidation was observed, but lipolysis increased, and several LMW metabolites relevant for sensory and nutritional quality degraded into non-favorable compounds. The content of biogenic amines was high at day 9 (e.g., 18 mg histamine/100 g), jeopardizing safety. Preservation of mackerel fillets by freezing at ?27°C is thus a better option compared to prolonged chilled storage at +4°C; the quality was well preserved for 12 months’ frozen storage.     

Relationship between Lipid Oxidation,Protein Function Properties,and Freshness Changes of Salt-Treated Blunt-Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) Fillets Stored at 4°C

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lipid oxidation, protein function properties, and freshness changes of blunt-snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) fillets treated with 2% and 4% salt during storage at 4°C. Salting with 2% and 4% salt could delay quality deterioration and protein denaturation, thus improving sensory attributes to some extent. But, 4% salt promoted lipid oxidation of blunt-snout bream fillets. There is a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between freshness indexes and lipid oxidation or protein function properties (total SH content, Ca²⁺-ATPase activity). Salting with 2% salt is an ideal treatment to control the quality of blunt-snout bream fillets stored at 4°C.     

Effects of Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Based on Sunflower Oil on the Quality of Farmed Sea Bass and Gilthead Sea Bream Stored at Chilled Temperature (2 ± 2°C)

The influence of oil-in-water nanoemulsion on the sensory, chemical, and microbiological qualities of sea bream and sea bass fillets stored at 2 ± 2°C was investigated. The results showed that the use of nanoemulsion extended the shelf life of fish one or two days when compared with the control. Treatment with nanoemulsion significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the values of chemical parameters throughout the storage period. Bacterial growth was inhibited by the use of nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsion had an inhibitory effect on protein denaturation during refrigerated storage and microwave cooking. Based on the results, it can be concluded that sunflower oil-based nanoemulsion extended the shelf life and improved the quality of both sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets during storage.     

Effects of High Pressure Treatment on Physicochemical Quality of Pre- and Post-Rigor Palm Ruff (Seriolella Violacea) Fillets

Fish and fish products are characterized for having a short shelf life. Nonthermal processing techniques such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) have increasingly been employed to extend shelf life of food products. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes on flesh physicochemical spoilage parameters (pH, total volatile bases (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and color) of palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) fillets in pre- and post-rigor conditions, subjected to two different HHP conditions: 450 MPa and 550 MPa, for 3 and 4 min each. Unpressurized and pressurized fillets were kept in chilled storage (4 ± 1°C) for 26 days to assess the effect of HHP on shelf life. pH and TBA values increased after HHP treatment and with storage time for both unpressurized and pressurized samples. This is attributable to pressure-induced lipid oxidation. Lightness (L*) values increased with pressure, where fish fillets had a cooked appearance. TMA and TVB-N values decreased after HHP treatment compared to the unpressurized samples, showing that HHP treatment is an efficient method to maintain the quality of palm ruff fillets. There was no clear difference between pre- and post-rigor in the parameters evaluated.     

冷藏大西洋鲑背腹部鱼片脂肪氧化变化规律及货架期模型的建立

以冷藏三文鱼背腹部鱼片为研究对象,定期取样测定其在冷藏过程中与脂肪氧化相关的酸价(Acid Value, AV)值、过氧化值(Peroxide Value, POV)和硫代巴比妥酸值(Thiobarbituric Acid Value, TBA),结合感官评价,探究冷藏三文鱼背部、腹部鱼片在贮藏过程中的脂肪氧化变化规律并建立基于脂肪氧化指标的货架期预测模型并进行验证。结果表明：三文鱼背部、腹部鱼片的AV值、POV值以及TBA值都随贮藏时间延长而呈现增加的趋势,感官评价得分一直降低,腹部鱼片比背部鱼片变化更加明显,且温度越高脂肪氧化指标变化越显著。将冷藏三文鱼背部、腹部鱼片的脂肪氧化指标用一级化学反应动力学模型拟合后发现：POV值、TBA值与一级化学反应动力学模型有很好的拟合效果(R2>0.90);AV值与一级化学反应动力学模型有较好的拟合效果(R2>0.82)。用Arrhenius方程建立冷藏温度下三文鱼背部、腹部鱼片AV值、POV值、TBA值与贮藏时间、贮藏温度的动力学模型具有很高的拟合精度(R2>0.90)。建立的动力学方程中背部AV值、POV值和TBA值的活化能EA分别为：47.309 KJ/mol、81.611 KJ/mol、35.560 KJ/mol,腹部的活化能EA分别为：77.628 KJ/mol、55.686 KJ/mol、19.399 KJ/mol。建立的三文鱼背部、腹部鱼片的预测货架期模型经验证后发现,脂肪氧化指标的预测值与实际值相对误差在(±10.60)%内,因此该模型能很好的预测冷藏温度下三文鱼片的货架期。     

Effects of Sodium Alginate and Chitosan Coating Combined with Three Different Essential Oils on Microbial and Chemical Attributes of Rainbow Trout Fillets

ABSTRACT

Meat products, such as fish meat, are known to be susceptible to undesirable chemical and microbial reactions that characterize spoilage. In this study, the effect of a sodium alginate and chitosan coating incorporated with Mentha piperita, Artemisia dracunculus, and Zataria multiflora essential oils on chemical and microbial attributes of rainbow trout meat was evaluated during storage at 4°C. Chemical and microbial assays were performed on rainbow trout fillets with alginate and chitosan coatings and 0.2% concentration of test essential oils. The results showed that the alginate coating with essential oils significantly decreased production of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and reduced the growth of foodborne spoilage bacteria during storage at 4ºC. At day 12, the best results were obtained in chitosan coating + Z. multiflora, with 5.96 ± 0.12, 4.93 ± 0.12, and 3.83 ± 0.2 for total viable counts, psychrotrophic bacterial count, and lactic acid bacteria count, respectively. Moreover, the lowest amounts of chemical analysis were observed in chitosan coating + Z. multiflora at the final day (0.54 ± 0.03 and 20.31 ± 0.1 for TBA and TVBN, respectively). Our study revealed that essential oils can be used as effective natural components against undesirable chemical and microbial reactions in fish meat.