Prediction of time-temperature profiles of atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during chilled transport using the MAILPROF computer program

The MAILPROF computer program for constant ambient temperatures (C-Model) was generalized to accept varying ambient temperatures (V-Model) by implementing the solution of the appropriate differential equation. The time-temperature profiles of gutted salmon with frozen gel pads or flake ice (3:1 ratio by mass) inside a thermally insulated (expanded polystyrene) box at varying ambient temperatures were predicted and compared with the measured temperatures. The predicted fish temperatures (V-Model) correlated well with the measured fish temperatures when fish and frozen gel pads were used and no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the two. The V-Model can be used to predict the quantity of cooling gel or ice needed to keep the fish below 8°C in transport at constant and varying ambient temperatures. The time-temperature profiles of smoked salmon packaged with cooling gel were measured in mail transit by miniature data loggers and also predicted by the C and V-Models. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the measured and predicted (V-Model) fish temperatures.