Effect of headspace oxygen and films of different oxygen transmission rate on toxin production by Clostridium botulinum type E in rainbow trout fillets stored under modified atmospheres

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of various levels of headspace oxygen (0-100%, balance CO3) or film oxygen transmission rate (OTR) on the time to toxicity in modified atmosphere packaged (MAP)fresh trout fillets challenged with C. botulinum type E (10(2) spore/g) and stored under moderate temperature abuse conditions (12C). In all cases, trout were toxic within 5 days, irrespective of the initial levels of oxygen in the package headspace. However, spoilage preceded toxigenesis. Packaging of trout fillets in low gas barrier films, with OTRs ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 cc/m(2)/day at 24C and 0% relative humidity, also had no effect on time to toxicity in all MAP trout fillets. All fillets were toxic within 4-5 days and spoilage again preceded toxigenesis. This study has shown that the addition of headspace O-2, either directly to a package or indirectly by using a low gas barrier film, had no influence on the time to toxigenesis or spoilage. Additional barriers, other than headspace O-2 or film transmission rate, need to be considered to ensure the safety of MAP trout fillets, particularly at moderate temperature abuse conditions.