Efficacy of natural and consumer-friend applications to control Aeromonas hydrophila growth in Bluefish

Abstract

Fish is one of the main transmission routes of Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila, an emerging pathogen that threatens public health due to its high antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to control the growth of A. hydrophila in cold-stored Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) using natural, consumer-friendly practices. Samples were inoculated with A.hydrophila, dipped or sprayed with acetic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium lactate, or sodium chloride solutions (4%), and stored at 4°C. Dipping was very effective since the growth of A. hydrophila was inhibited by all dipping treatments and remained below the inoculation dose after 72 hours. During this time, dipping in acetic acid, ascorbic acid, and citric acid reduced the initial load of A. hydrophila (7.03 log cfu/g) to 5.27, 5.51, and 5.64 log cfu/g, respectively. Acetic acid, ascorbic acid, and citric acid dipping treatments reduced the A. hydrophila number 1 log/cfu more than other treatments (P<0.05). Acetic acid and ascorbic also provided the best results for the sprayed samples. Our results showed that dipping in natural acids such as acetic acid, ascorbic acid, and citric acid yielded successful results in inhibiting A. hydrophila growth. Using consumer-friendly, natural substances to ensure food safety by controlling the growth of this emerging pathogen will provide significant benefits for the food industry.