Effects of ionizing radiation and modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf life of aqua-cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The major problems concerning marketing and distribution of seafoods are their high perishability due mainly to contamination by spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. The reduction, destruction or inhibition of microbial contaminants using single or combined treatments might lead to efficient preservation methods. In this research we examined the feasibility of modified atmosphere packaging and irradiation treatments on the extension of the shelf-life of fresh aqua-cultured sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax species. The quality and the freshness of sea bass packaged in modified atmosphere or gamma-irradiated were evaluated by assessing their microbiological, sensory and chemical properties. The gas mixture composed by 60:35:5 CO2/N-2/O-2 resulted as the best inhibitory treatment to extend the shelf life of sea bass. A major MDA containment and microbial decontamination in irradiated samples at 3 kGy were also found in respect to the control samples.