The objective of this study is to assess stability of chilling in combination with MAP to extend the selflife of chilled reef cod (E. diacanthus) fillet with minimum loss in quality. The assessment of fillet quality encompassed evaluation based on microbial, biochemical, and sensory attributes. The fresh reef cod fillets were packed under two conditions: T0 (Control: Air) and T1 (MAP: 40% CO2 + 30% O2 + 30% N2) and stored at 4°C. Values of TVB-N, TMA-N, FFA, PV, and TBA, indicative of deterioration, increased throughout the chilled storage period. Biochemical values were relatively higher in reef cod fillets stored in air packs than in those stored using MAP. The Total Plate Count (TPC) exhibited higher final numbers in control (T0) sample compared to those in T1. E. coli and S. aureus were not detected in any of the samples. Sensory analysis (Texture, Color, Appearance, Odor, Overall quality) correlated well with the biochemical and microbiological analyses, indicating a shelf life of approximately 6 days for the control and 18 days for T1. In comparison between the treatments, MAP proved more effective in inhibiting biochemical, microbial, and sensory spoilage processes, extending the self life up to 18 days compared to T0. Overall, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) showed a synergistic effect in extending shelf life as well as maintaining the quality of reef cod fillets under chilled storage.

Reef cod Fillet, modified atmosphere packaging, Chilled storage, Physicochemical property, self-life

In this present study biochemical, microbial and sensory property and self life of reef cod fillet in air and MAP with (40% CO2 + 30% O2 + 30% N2) ware evaluated during chilled storage. The result showed that MAP could effective slow down the increase of TMA-N, TVB-N, FFA PV, TBA value. Based on microbial and sensory analysis the use of MAP (T1) extends the self-life of reef cod filler up to 18 days against 6 days of air packed (T0). Thus, it is evident that MAP of reef cod fillet is preferred over air packed in terms of longer self-life. MAP will be advantages to retail consumer for storage the reef cod fillets for further processing and cooking.

A.M. Parmar and R.B. Vala (2023). Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Microbial, Biochemical, Sensory properties and Shelf-life of Reef Cod (Epinephelus diacanthus) fillet during chilled Storage. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 429-435.