The rapid spoilage of fishes causes economical losses in the processing and marketing of these products. In the present study, the efficiency of chlorinated ice to increase grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) shelf life was evaluated. Mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria count, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and pH were evaluated in the flesh of grass carp stored refrigerated (3±1ºC) for 20 days, covered with chlorinated (5ppm) or non-chlorinated ice. Chlorine significantly reduced (p<0,05) mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria count in the flesh, as well as pH and the initial values of TVBN. TVBN values were low and did not exhibit great changes over the storage time. Results showed that grass carp shelf life could be extended around 3 days by using chlorinated ice. Besides, pH and TVBN values were considered unsuitable to assess grass carp spoilage.
total volatile basic nitrogen; pH; mesophilic bacteria; psychrotrophic bacteria; chlorine; fish
