SHELF‐LIFE EXTENSION AND SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT FRESH FISHERY PRODUCTS PACKAGED UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERES: A REVIEW

ABSTRACT Shelf‐life and quality of fresh fishery products can be extended by the use of a modified atmosphere (MA) and high barrier film packaging coupled with refrigerated storage. MAs with elevated levels of carbon dioxide inhibit or slow the growth of various aerobic spoilage bacteria of fishery products by extending the lag phase. However, at the same time, MAs provide conditions for the growth of Grampositive bacteria and food pathogens within the package. The extension of the storage life of the refrigerated MA products may enable the slower‐growing Gram‐positive bacteria to reach high populations. The shelf‐life of fishery products packaged under MAs rich in carbon dioxide coupled with storage at 8.0°C or below can be extended more than 100%. Major safety concerns regarding the risk of foodborne botulism can result from MA packaging of fresh fishery products that contain the spores of nonproteolytic C. botulinum and are subsequently temperature‐abused. Minimizing the risk of foodborne botulism by including inhibitory factors such as antimicrobial agents before packaging fishery products under MAs and strict adherence to refrigerated storage temperatures are discussed.