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The aim of these experiments was to evaluate the effect of brining, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and superchilling on the quality changes of cod loins as measured by microbial, sensory, and chemical analysis. Unbrined and brined (2.5 +/- 1.0% NaCl) cod loins were kept in styrofoam boxes (air) and under modified atmosphere (MA, CO(2)/O(2)/N(2): 50/5/45) at 0, -2, and -3.6 degrees C. Samples were examined over a 4-wk period. Total viable psychrotrophic counts and counts of H(2)S-producing bacteria reached higher numbers in the air-packed brined fish at -2 and -3.6 degrees C than in comparable unbrined groups, being significantly different (P < 0.05) at the lower temperature. However, lower counts of these bacteria were obtained in the brined MAP fish than in comparable unbrined fish. Counts of Photobacterium phosphoreum increased most rapidly in air- and MA-packed loins kept at 0 degrees C. Lower counts were found at superchilled temperatures. According to sensory analysis the shelf life of unbrined air-packed loins was about 11 d at 0 degrees C and 14 to 15 d at -2 degrees C. The shelf life of MA-packed unbrined loins was about 14 to 15 d at 0 degrees C but 21 d at -2 degrees C. Thus, synergism of combined superchilling (-2 degrees C) and MA led to a considerable shelf life increase for unbrined loins despite the fact that processing and packaging took place 4 to 5 d post-catch. The shelf life of air-packed brined loins at -2 degrees C was 12 to 15 d but only 13 d under MA. The same synergistic effect did therefore not apply to brined loins as with unbrined ones.

Abstract: An appropriate thermal insulation of fresh fish packaging can substantially reduce negative effects of poor temperature management in chill chains. The aim of the current study is to experimentally and numerically investigate the performance of two types of EPS (expanded polystyrene) boxes in protecting superchilled fresh fish products subjected to temperature fluctuations, simulating conditions during transport. One EPS box type is a new improved version designed by utilising numerical heat transfer modelling for minimising the maximum product temperature during thermal load. This box weighed 11% less than the older box type. The performance of the boxes was evaluated by means of temperature monitoring and sensory evaluation. The thermal insulation of the new boxes was significantly better compared to the old boxes. According to sensory evaluation, storage in the new boxes resulted in approximately 2 days longer storage life. A satisfactory agreement between numerical results and experimental results was obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]