Determination of decomposition rates in selected mid-Atlantic fish species stored under iced and super-chilling temperatures

Three different species of fish (sea trout, Spanish mackerel and catfish) were studied. Samples undergoing normal spoilage were compared with samples which had undergone a sanitizing treatment with alcohol. Differential temperature storage studies were conducted at 290 °F (-1.7 °C) and 32 °F (0 °C). Fish quality was assessed by means of microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses. Quality assessment via measurement of proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes was attempted, but these enzyme activities were not detected in any of the samples. It was not possible to differentiate between the contributions of microbial and autolytic spoilage. Alcohol treated samples (reduced numbers of microorganisms) had shelf-lives extended by 6-10 days over untreated samples. The shelf-life of samples stored at 290 °F was extended by 6-10 days over the shelf-life of samples stored at 32 °F. Treated samples stored at 290 °F received highest sensory scores and untreated samples stored at 320 °F received the lowest scores. It was seen that the three fish species studied had different shelf-lives: sea trout-6 days, Spanish mackerel - 10 days and catfish - 16 days. Decomposition rates differed significantly between species and this factor must be taken into account when marketing strategies are developed by firms engaged in fresh fish sales.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Food Science and Technology

Department dc:contributor.department

Food Science and Technology

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1991

Author dc:creator

• Barua, Mala A.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Flick, George J. Jr.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Palmer, James K.
• Krieg, Noel R.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-08222009-040231

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/44370