Application of nitric oxide in modified atmosphere packaging of tilapia (Oreschromis niloticus) fillets

Polymeric Packaging Applications for Seafood Products: Packaging-Deterioration Relevance, Technology and Trends

Seafood is a highly economical product worldwide. Primary modes of deterioration include autolysis, oxidation of protein and lipids, formation of biogenic amines and melanosis, and microbial deterioration. These post-harvest losses can be properly handled if the appropriate packaging technology has been applied. Therefore, it is necessary for packaging deterioration relevance to be clearly understood. This review demonstrates recent polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. Relationship between packaging and quality deterioration, including microbial growth and chemical and biochemical reactions, are discussed. Recent technology and trends in the development of seafood packaging are demonstrated by recent research articles and patents. Development of functional polymers for active packaging is the largest area for seafood applications. Intelligent packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, thermal insulator cartons, as well as the method of removing a fishy aroma have been widely developed and patented to solve the specific and comprehensive quality issues in seafood products. Many active antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds have been found and successfully incorporated with polymers to preserve the quality and monitor the fish freshness. A thermal insulator has also been developed for seafood packaging to preserve its freshness and avoid deterioration by microbial growth and enzymatic activity. Moreover, the enhanced biodegradable tray is also innovative as a single or bulk fish container for marketing and distribution. Accordingly, this review shows emerging polymeric packaging technology for seafood products and the relevance between packaging and seafood qualities.

Effect of a chitosan coating incorporating epigallocatechin gallate on the quality and shelf life of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets during chilled storage

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential application of chitosan coatings incorporating epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) for preserving fillets of bighead carp during chilled storage. The fillets were coated with acetic acid and glycerol, chitosan, and chitosan-EGCG, respectively, and the changes in their physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics during storage at 4 °C were determined. Notably, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances, and K value of chitosan-EGCG coated fillets sampled on day 15 were 48.04 %, 60.19 %, and 32.91 % lower than untreated fillets, respectively. Microbial enumeration suggested that the inclusion of EGCG significantly improved the inhibitory effect of pure chitosan coating on the proliferation of microorganisms. Furthermore, the chitosan-EGCG coated fillets also performed the best in terms of color, texture, and sensory analysis, and extended the shelf-life of the fillets for at least 6 days. A principal component analysis further confirmed the preserving effect of the chitosan-EGCG coating. Mantel test results suggested that the fillets' organoleptic characteristics strongly correlated with physicochemical and microbiological indicators. Overall, this work provides an effective protocol for food quality control and the extension of shelf life during chilled storage, and it clarifies the relationships between organoleptic characteristics and physicochemical and microbiological indexes.

Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging, Storage Temperature, and Absorbent Pads on the Quality of Fresh Cape Hake Fish Fillets

This study investigated the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), storage temperature, and the use of absorbent pads (PAD) on the quality attributes of Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) fish fillets. Fresh Cape hake fillets were packaged under active-MA (40% CO2 + 30% O2 + 30% N2) or passive-MA (0.039% CO2 + 20.95% O2 + 78% N2), with and without PAD, and stored at 0 °C, 4 °C, and 8 °C (to mimic abuse temperature). The control fresh fillets were stored under passive-MAP without PAD at 0 °C, 4 °C, and 8 °C. Headspace O2 gas composition continuously decreased below critical limits under passive-MAP, with an increase in storage temperature. Similarly, O2 levels decreased under active-MAP but did not reach critical levels, with the lowest being 9.5% at 0 °C. The interaction of storage temperature and modified atmosphere had a significant effect on quality attributes of Cape hake fillets. Drip loss was higher in active-MAP packaged fillets without PAD (0.64%) than passive-MAP packaged fillets without PAD (0.27%). Drip loss was significantly reduced when using absorbent pads (p < 0.05). Firmness, color, and pH were better maintained under active-MAP at the lowest temperature of 0 °C. Firmness (work of shear) of active-MA packaged fillets on day 12 at 0 °C and 4 °C was 527 N/s and 506 N/s, respectively. Fillets packaged under active-MAP at 0 °C had longer shelf-life than control passive-MAP fillets.

Undesirable discoloration in edible fish muscle: Impact of indigenous pigments, chemical reactions, processing, and its prevention

Fish is rich in proteins and lipids, especially those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, which made them vulnerable to chemical or microbial changes associated with quality loss. Meat color is one of vital criteria indicating the freshness, quality, and acceptability of the meat. Color of meat is governed by the presence of various pigments such as hemoglobin, myoglobin (Mb), and so on. Mb, particularly oxy-form, is responsible for the bright red color of fish muscle, especially tuna, and dark fleshed fish, while astaxanthin (AXT) directly determines the color of salmonids muscle. Microbial spoilage and chemical changes such as oxidation of lipid/proteins result in the autoxidation of Mb or fading of AXT, leading to undesirable color with lower acceptability. The discoloration has been affected by chemical composition, post-harvesting handling or storage, processing, cooking, and so on . To tackle discoloration of fish meat, vacuum or modified atmospheric packaging, low- or ultralow-temperature storage, uses of artificial and natural additives have been employed. This review article provides information regarding the factors affecting color and other quality aspects of fish muscle. Moreover, promising methodologies used to control discoloration are also focused.

Effective pretreatment technologies for fresh foods aimed for use in central kitchen processing

The central kitchen concept is a new trend in the food industry, where centralized preparation and processing of fresh foods and the distribution of finished or semi-finished products to catering chains or related units take place. Fresh foods processed by a central kitchen mainly include fruit and vegetables, meat, aquatic products, and edible fungi; these foods have high water activities and thermal sensitivities and must be processed with care. Appropriate pretreatments are generally required for these food materials; typical pretreatment processes include cleaning, enzyme inactivation, and disinfection, as well as packaging and coating. To improve the working efficiency of a central kitchen, novel efficient pretreatment technologies are needed. This article systematically reviews various high-efficiency pretreatment technologies for fresh foods. These include ultrasonic cleaning technologies, physical-field enzyme inactivation technologies, non-thermal disinfection technologies, and modified-atmosphere packagings and coatings. Mechanisms, applications, influencing factors, and advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, which can be used in a central kitchen, are outlined and discussed. Possible solutions to problems related to central-kitchen food processing are addressed, including low cleaning efficiency and automation feasibility, high nutrition loss, high energy consumption, and short shelf life of products. These should lead us to the next step of fresh food processing for a highly demanding modern society. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.