Freshness assessment and grading of commercially important aquatic species (Euthynnus affinis, Fenneropenaeus indicus, Mugil cephalus) based on pictorial, sensory, bio chemical and microbiological evaluation in chilled storage

Abstract

In recent years, there is a substantial increase in export of finfish and shellfish species to European Union from India, with a share of 16.73 per cent of total seafood export. European Union insists on sensory grading of species at primary production centres and during receipt of raw material by processing establishments. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality based on sensory grading of three species namely Euthynnus affinis, Fenneropenaeus indicus and Mugil cephalus as per EU scheme and develop a pictorial guideline for processors. Grading is done based on sensory parameters, images and evaluating biochemical parameters and microbiological parameters viz. mesophilic bacterial count, Pseudomonas count and H2S producer count. Increasing trend in in biochemical indices and corresponding increase in microbial count corroborated with the change in sensory attributes during chilled storage. E grade was noticed up to 2nd day for Fenneropenaeus indicus and 3rd day for Euthynnus affinis and Mugil cephalus. A grade was observed until 3rd day for Fenneropenaeus indicus and 4th day for Euthynnus affinis and Mugil cephalus. Finally B grade was noticed on 5th day for Fenneropenaeus indicus and 6th day for Scomberomorus commerson and Etroplus suratensis. The guidelines can be used by the exporters for compliance with EU requirements prior to export.