Shelf life, fish

Seafood. Sorbates are used to extend the shelf life of many seafood products, both fresh and processed (103,104). For smoked or dried fish, an instantaneous dip in 5 wt % potassium sorbate or a 10-minute dip in 1.0 wt % potassium sorbate prior to drying or smoking inhibits the development of yeast and mold (105,106). For fresh fish, sorbates can be incorporated at approximately 0.5 wt % into the ice, refrigerated seawater, or ice-water slush in... 

Eor fresh poultry, a potassium sorbate dip significantly reduces total viable bacteria and doubles the refrigerated shelf life of ice-packed broilers (133). In cooked, uncured, vacuum-packaged turkey and poultry stored at 4°C, 0.2—0.25 wt % potassium sorbate suppresses microbial growth for up to 10 days (134). Sorbic acid at 0.5% in a marinade mixture for chicken dmmmettes extends refrigerator shelf life (135). Country-cured hams sprayed with a 10 wt % potassium sorbate solution showed no mold growth for up to 30 days (136). A review of sorbate use in meat and fish products has been pubHshed (137). 

Because of the toxic nature of these oxidized components, the authors cautioned regular intake of encapsulated fish oils. The sale of oxidized fish oil products can be considered criminal as they pose potential health risks to the consumer. In addition to ensuring that the consumer is buying the authentic product, it must be fresh, with a clear and realistic shelf-life date indicated. The presence of vegetable oils in a fish oil is best tested for by examination of the sterol composition, as fish oils consist almost entirely of cholesterol and 24-methyl cholesterol (Paganuzzi, 1983). Analysis of the sterol fraction of the oil can often identify the oil, or at least indicate which oils might be present. 

Radiation sterilization produces foods that are stable at room temperature and requires a dose of 20 to 70 kGy. At lower doses, longer shelf life may be obtained, especially with perishable foods such as fruits, fish, and shellfish. The destruction of Salmonella in poultry is an application for radiation treatment. This requires doses of 1 to 10 kGy. Radiation disinfestation of spices and cereals may replace chemical fumigants, which have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Dose levels of 8 to 30 kGy would be required. Other possible applications of irradiation processing are inhibition of sprouting in potatoes and onions and delaying of the ripening of tropical fruits. 

Medium dose (1-10 kGy) Extension of shelf life 1.50-3.0 Fresh fish, strawberries, etc. 

Ascorbic acid is reasonably stable in a dry state with a shelf life of about 1-3 yr (23). However, it rapidly oxidizes in solution. A 1% solution may remain at approx 80% potency after 10 d. A 0.02% solution will degrade to 0% within 3 d. Ascorbic acid is also currently available in tablet form for dechlorination applications. Release of ascorbic acid-containing waters under some conditions may reduce the pH of the receiving streams. Use of vitamin C is reported to have other potential benefits as it is an essential vitamin for healthy fish (23). Also, it can easily strip manganese oxide stains from reservoir surfaces and thereby promote better disinfection (once the vitamin C is exhausted). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is NSF certified, allowing it to be used in drinking water treatment to remove or reduce chlorine levels. 

The addition of certain substances to foodstuffs was practiced in ancient times, mostly for improving keeping properties. Salt was added to perishable foodstuffs such as meat and fish from the prehistoric ages on. Smoke curing can also be considered as the fortuitous addition of constituents to food, as wood smoke contains a number of compounds that are absorbed by the food during the smoke-curing process or are deposited onto the surface. These treatments not only prolong the shelf life of the food but also add to the flavor. 

Ashie, I.N.A., Smith, J.O., and Simpson, B.K. 1996. Spoilage and shelf life extension of fresh fish/shellfish. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 36 87-122. 

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