Influence of high CO2 modified atmosphere packaging on some quality characteristics of fresh farmed pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) during refrigerated storage

Abstract

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with cold storage on physicochemical and microbiological changes of farmed pufferfish was studied during 14 days of storage. Results showed that samples with MAP3 (gas composition of 60% CO₂, 5% O₂, 35% N₂) treatment had the significantly lower total volatile basic nitrogen, K value, and total viable counts. The water holding capacity, low field NMR analysis and MRI indicated that MAP3 was more effective in maintaining the water content and water migration. Analyses of free amino acids (FAAs) also indicated that MAP3 treatment had a positive effect on preventing the degradation of proteins and retained better flavour quality.