Effect of UV-C Radiation on Shelf life of Vacuum Package Colossoma Macropomum x Piaractus Mesopotamicus Fillets

Abstract

Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus (CP) is a freshwater fish with greatest commercial importance in Brazil. Fillets of CP are highly perishable food and preservation technology with UV-C could improve food safety and extend shelf life. Fillet samples were submitted at UV-C (55.83mJ/cm²) and examined for mesophilic and psychrotrophic count and biogenic amines over 6 days. UV-C reduced the bacterial growth and number of colonies in the stationary phase; also increase the levels of cadaverine, putrescine and histamine. The results suggest that UV-C enhanced the shelf-life of CP fillets by at least 50%.