Influence of salting and gamma irradiation on the shelf-life extension of threadfin bream in ice

Fresh, eviscerated threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) packaged in polyethylene pouches were dipped in 10% (w/w) sodium chloride for 1 h and subjected to gamma irradiation at 0, 1 or 2 kGy at ice temperature. The treated fish were stored under ice. At periodic intervals, quality of the fish was determined by sensory, chemical and microbiological parameters. The unsalted and unirradiated fish was acceptable up to 8 days in comparison to a storage life of 12 and 22 days for the unsalted fish irradiated at 1 and 2 kGy, respectively. Salting prior to irradiation at 0. 1 or 2 kGy gave a shelf life of 9, 14 and 28 days, respectively. Salting gave a firmer texture to the fish and prevented drip formation in the pouches during storage. The results suggested that while irradiation could significantly (P< 0.05) extend the refrigerated shelf life of threadfin bream, salting prior to irradiation could enhance the acceptability of the irradiated fish. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.