Development of Quality Index Method Scheme for Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Stored in Ice: Shelf-Life Assessment by Physicochemical,Microbiological, and Sensory Quality Indices

ABSTRACT

Sensory methods are the most interesting methods to estimate fish quality. Among these, the recently developed quality index method (QIM) has gained popularity, as shown by the multiple publications of QIM schemes in the last years. The objective of this study was to create a new QIM scheme (QIM sensory table and corresponding point system) for the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), basing the definition of the rejection point on sensory, physicochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total volatile basic nitrogen, pH, and color measurements), and microbiological criteria (counts of mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and Pseudomonas spp.). A new QIM scheme was developed and is proposed for use in the future; it will be useful for practical evaluations of carp freshness in all steps of the production chain, and it will contribute to a more effective use of the species as an alternative for human food supply.     

Precision and Application of Electronic Nose for Freshness Monitoring of Whole Redfish (Sebastes marinus) Stored in Ice and Modified Atmosphere Bulk Storage

Abstract

An electronic nose with electrochemical gas sensors (CO, NH₃, SO₂ and H₂S) was used as a rapid technique to monitor changes in the headspace of whole ungutted redfish (Sebastes marinus) stored in ice and under various conditions of modified atmosphere (MA) bulk storage (CO₂/N₂:60/40). The precision of the electronic nose measurements was determined using standard compounds (ethanol, trimethylamine, acetal-dehyde and dimethyldisulfide). The response of the CO sensor, suggesting the formation of alcohols and carbonyls, increased with time for both aerobic and MA storage and correlated well with sensory analysis using the Quality Index Method. Slower spoilage rate reflected by lower intensities of sensors' responses, lower microbial counts and less TMA production were observed in MA-stored redfish compared with aerobic storage in ice.