Quality comparison of grass carp and salmon fillets packaged in modified atmosphere with different composite films

Abstract

AbstractGrass carp fillets (without dark meat) and salmon fillets were stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with a gas mixture of 10% O2, 60% CO2, and 30% N2 for up to 12 days at 4 °C. Effects of three commercial MAP composite films, that is, F1 from Sealed Air, F2 from Amcor, and F3 from Bemis, on contents of CO2 and O2, and quality indicators including total viable count (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), K value, pH, and color difference were investigated. It was observed that O2 content, pH, and TBA in grass carp fillets were higher than those of salmon fillets, while CO2 content and color difference were lower. F1 could maintain the quality of both fillets better than F2 and F3, with F3 being the worst. Principal component analysis showed the scores of F1, F2, and F3 for packaging grass carp and salmon fillets were 24.840, 26.570, and 25.162, and 24.863, 27.086, and 24.878, respectively, with F1 being the best for keeping the quality. The relationship between rate constant k and film oxygen permeability for describing kinetic change of TVC and TVB‐N during MAP storage for both fillets were also determined in the study.Practical applicationsGrass carp and salmon are very common species of fish with the largest reported production internationally. As highly perishable products, the extension of their shelf‐life is an important issue for in the industry. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an effective method for extending the shelf life of fresh foods. This study compared three commercial MAP composite films, that is, F1 from Sealed Air, F2 from Amcor, and F3 from Bemis, on contents of CO2 and O2, and quality indicators including total viable count (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), K value, pH, and color difference for grass carp fillets (without dark meat) and salmon fillets stored in MAP, and indicated that F1 with composition of PP/Tie/Nylon6/EVOH/Nylon6/Tie/LLDPE was the best for keeping their quality. The current results should provide valuable information for the industry and retailers to supply high quality fresh aquatic products to the consumers.