The quality of 120 samples of different types of frozen fish fillet was evaluated with respect to sensory characteristics, pH, levels of total volatile basis, histamine and presence of sulfidric gas. The results from the sensory evaluation indicated good quality with scores of 5.52 (CV <FONT FACE="Symbol">£</font> 13%) for both odor and general aspects. With respect to total volatile bases (TVB), mean levels of 62.71 mg N/100 g were found, with significantly higher values (> 80 mg N/100 g) for sandperch (Pseudopercis numida) and shark (families Carcharhinidae and Squalidae) and smaller than 68 mg N/100 g for the other types. Mean pH values varied from 6.11 in Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) to 7.49 in Brazilian drum (Umbrina sp.). Based on these results, 79, 39 e 62% of the samples would not comply with the Brazilian legislation for TVB, pH and sulfidric gas, respectively. Histamine was found in 37% of the samples at levels ranging from 0.00 in flounder (Paralichthys sp. and Pleuronectes sp.) to 0.50 mg/100 g in sandperch. Histamine was not detected in Brazilian codling. There were significant differences among pH, TVB and histamine levels in samples from different families. In order to evaluate the potential use and critical limits of these parameters as an index of quality, samples should be monitored immediately after capture. The histamine concentrations found in these products, by itself, would not be sufficient to cause toxic effects.
frozen fish fillet; histamine; total volatile bases; pH; quality
