EFFECT OF POTASSIUM SORBATE AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION OF SEER FISH ( SCOMBEROMORUS COMMERSON) STEAKS DURING ICED STORAGE.

A study to evaluate the influence of potassium sorbate combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 2C on the shelf-life extension of seer fish (Scomberomorus commerson ) steaks was made. The shelf life of 12 days in air pack was extended by 10 and 18 days in MAP and modified-atmosphere-packed seer fish pretreated with potassium sorbate, respectively. K value was not a suitable predictor of shelf life for seer fish. Potassium sorbate treatment showed further inhibition of total aerobic mesophilic count while sulfite reducing clostridial counts were 1 log cfu/g in all the packs after day 12 of storage. Potassium sorbate treated MAP samples showed higher sensory score on day 25 than those observed for MAP (P < 0.05) and CMAP steaks. Significant extension (P < 0.05) in shelf life was noticed due to MAP and treating samples with potassium sorbate. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The present study suggests that modified atmosphere 70% CO2 : 30% O2 extended shelf life of seer fish by 10 days. By using 70% CO2 : 30% O2 with 2% potassium sorbate, the shelf life of seer fish was further extended by 18 days compared to air pack which served as control and this particular combination could be commercially exploited. As the optimal gas composition varies depending on the fish, this paper adds new research information on preservation of seer fish. Moreover, as seer fish has high export demand, proper preservation technique suggested in this paper is highly relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]