Deposition of Dimethyl-β-Propiothetin in Atlantic Cod During Feeding Experiments

Abstract

Dimethyl-β-propiothetin (DMPT), associated with dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the "blackberry" problem in cod from Labrador, was absorbed from the digestive system when fed to laboratory-held cod. Uptake of DMPT by blood and deposition in tissues were readily detected when the intake level exceeded 10 mg DMPT/day. No obvious amount of DMS was formed from the DMPT. The deposits of DMPT were rapidly removed from flesh when intake ceased. Open cooking (baking) at high temperatures of cod flesh containing DMPT completely destroyed DMPT with no deleterious effects. Cooking at lower temperatures (boiling) probably only partly destroyed DMPT as objectionable taste and odour effects were generally observed. During freeze-drying DMPT was partly destroyed.