LACTIC-ACID MELANOSIS INHIBITORS TO IMPROVE SHELF-LIFE OF BROWN SHRIMP (PENAEUS-AZTECUS)

L-Lactic acid, sodium bisulfite, and 4-hexylresorcinol were evaluated, alone and in combination, as melanosis and microbial spoilage inhibitors on brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus). No effect on the microbiological shelf life of treated shrimp was observed. 4-Hexylresorcinol functioned exceptionally well as a melanosis inhibitor, alone and in combination with L-lactic acid, However, extensive bacterial growth was demonstrated in the I-hexylresorcinol dip solution during normal storage on deck, creating the potential for a heavy bacterial inoculation of shrimp during a typical dipping process. Addition of L-lactic acid to the 4-hexylresorcinol dip solution prevented bacterial growth in the dip solution and did not diminish melanosis inhibition.