The impact of chitosan film or chitosan/chitosan–epigallocatechin gallate conjugate composite film on the quality changes of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) slices stored in air or under vacuum packaging

Abstract

SummaryQuality and shelf‐life of Asian sea bass slices (ASBS) wrapped with chitosan (CS)/CS–epigallocatechin gallate (CE) conjugate composite or CS films and packaged in air or under vacuum during storage at 4 °C were studied. Total viable count was less than permissible limit (6 log·CFU g−1 sample) for ASBS wrapped with CS/CE conjugate composite film under vacuum (ASBS‐COMP‐VP) after 18 days. Moreover, lower microbial proliferation and volatile base contents were attained in ASBS‐COMP‐VP sample than other samples during the storage (P < 0.05). At the end of storage, ASBS‐COMP‐VP sample had lower lipid oxidation than those wrapped with CS film (P < 0.05). Polyunsaturated fatty acid content of ASBS‐COMP‐VP was retained at higher content at day 18. Therefore, ASBS‐COMP‐VP had the enhanced shelf‐life with high acceptability up to 18 days at 4 °C, while ASBS wrapped with CS film and packaged in air or under vacuum had the shelf‐life of 9 and 12 days, respectively.