Use of carbon dioxide enriched atmospheres in the refrigerated storage (2 °C) of salmon (Salmo salar) steaks

Selected microbial counts (total viable microbiota, Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae), biochemical parameters [pH, total volatile nitrogen, nucleotide breakdown products, non-volatile amines, D(-) and L(+)-lactic acids and short-chain fatty acids] and sensory attributes (colour and odour) of refrigerated (2 degrees C) salmon (Salmo salar) steaks stored under CO2-enriched [CO2/air (20/80, v/v), CO2/air (40/60, v/v)] and air atmospheres were determined. When compared with air, sensory results showed shelf-life extension of 6 days and 15 days for 20% and 40% CO2-enriched atmospheres, respectively. Microbial and biochemical results also revealed that the 40% CO2-enriched atmosphere was the most effective packaging type for refrigerated salmon.