This paper investigated the effects of modified atmosphere packing (60% N2 and 40% CO2) and irradiation (with a 1.5kGy dose) either used alone or combined on the shelf life of fillets of refrigerated Nile Tilapia. A total of 120 fillets were used in the experiments in order to test four different treatments and included samples: packed in air (control), packed in modified atmosphere, packed in air and irradiated, and finally, packed in modified atmosphere and irradiated. Regular monitoring of physicochemical parameters (TVB, pH, ammonia and TBARS), bacteriological conditions (heterotrophic aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria) and sensory acceptance were performed. The results consistently indicated an increasing deterioration of the fillets with time, however those treated with irradiation, modified atmosphere or both combined had longer shelf lives (around two weeks) in comparison with the control (4 days only).
fish; fresh water fish; conservation methods; gamma radiation; cesium-137
