Effects of Radurization and Refrigerated Storage on Quality and Shelf-Life of Freshwater Prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii1

Abstract

The effects of radurization on bacteriological, chemical, physical and sensory changes were studied in iced-stored freshwater prawns of the species Macrobrachium rosenbergii. At both 145 and 230 krad, counts of potential spoilage bacteria were reduced. Irradiation at 230 krad resulted in increased TVBN values. No significant differences in texture (mushiness) were observed between irradiated and nonirradiated samples throughout the storage period. Atypical streptobacteria (D = 59 krad) were the predominant organisms isolated from irradiated prawns after 4 weeks of refrigerated storage. No connection was found between development of mushiness and total or proteolytic bacterial counts.