Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on Quality Index Method (QIM) scores of farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) at low and abused temperatures

J Food Sci. 2011 Apr;76(3):S185-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02051.x. Epub 2011 Mar 14.

Abstract

A Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme was developed for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) packed gilthead seabream, and the effect of MAP gas mixtures (60% CO2 and 40% N2; 60% CO2, 30% O2, and 10% N2), temperature (2, 4, and 8 °C), and time of storage on QI scores was assessed. QI scores were crossed with sensory evaluation of cooked fish according to a modified Torry scheme to establish the rejection point. In order to reduce redundant parameters, a principal component analysis was applied on preliminary QIM parameters scores coming from the best performing MAP among those tested. The final QIM scheme consists of 13 parameters and a maximum demerit score of 25. The maximum storage time was found to be 13 d at 4 °C for MAP 60% CO2 and 40% N2. Storage at 2 °C do not substantially improved sensory parameters scores, while storage under temperature abuse (8 °C) accelerated drastically the rate of increase of QI scores and reduced the maximum storage time to 6 d.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquaculture
  • Cold Temperature
  • Cooking
  • Elasticity
  • Food Handling*
  • Food Inspection / methods*
  • Food Packaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Odorants
  • Pigmentation
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Quality Control
  • Sea Bream*
  • Seafood / analysis*
  • Seafood / standards*
  • Sensation
  • Time Factors