Levels of cadmium in seafood products

The concentrations of total cadmium were determined in 448 samples of processed fishery products comprising crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish and brackish water fish. Shrimp product, the major export item, contained on average 0.122 ppm cadmium and 20% of crustaceans analysed did not contain cadmium on detectable level. Average content of cadmium in 68 marine fish of 9 species was 0.153 ppm and 35% of the samples did not contain the element. Of the total number of crustaceans analysed only 2% showed a level > 0.5 ppm. All the 174 samples of molluscan products, except 3 canned oysters, showed cadmium concentration far below the limit allowed. The average cadmium content in molluscan products was 0.552 ppm

Comparison of sensory characteristics and biochemical parameters in commercial frozen prawns

Commercial samples of frozen shrimp of different styles of presentation and size grades were tested for sensory, physical (cooked yield and pH) and biochemical characteristics (moisture, total nitrogen, water extractable nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, alpha amino nitrogen, total volatile nitrogen and trimethylamine nitrogen). The test results are compared and correlated. The order of preference of the samples were HL>PUD>P & D. There was significant correlation between sensory score of cooked sample and WEN, NPN and ∞ – NHsub(2)-N values. TVN and TMA-N did not exhibit any correlation with sensory score. It is inferred that in quality measurement of frozen shrimps of commerce the quantity of water soluble components and the total dry matter can be used to support the sensory test results

Raw material supply to shrimp freezing plants: some significant aspects

The shrimp processing plants located at any particular place receive their raw material supplies from local and outside centres. The raw material received, the form in which it was received, the relative contribution by local and outside centres and the seasonal variation in the supplies were studied with respect to the shrimp processing plants located at three places - Cochin, Veraval and Kakinada

Assessment of quality of fish landed at the Cochin fisheries harbour

Assessment of quality of fish and shrimps landed at the fish harbour, Cochin, was made over the period January, 1980 to December, 1982. A total of 201 samples were analysed. Nearly 75% of the samples scored between 6-10 in a 10 point hedonic scale and the percentage unacceptability based on sensory assessment was 5. 5%. In 10.1% of the samples, total volatile nitrogen was >30 mg% and in 8.3% of the samples trimethylamine- nitrogen was >10 mg%. Both, the gr Torrymeter and Intellectron Fish Tester VI readings marked significant correlation with sensory scores and chemical indices; but failed to bear any significant correlation with bacterial counts. Of the 5-1 total samples 66.7% had total plate count (TPC) ≥10 super(5) g super(-1) and 8.5% were considered unacceptable based on TPC >5x10 super(5) g super(-1); 63.2% of the samples were free from Escherichia coli; 26.4% had >20 E. coli g super(-1) and 20.4% of the samples contained faecal streptococci >10 super(3) g super(-1). Seven percent of the samples showed coagulase positive staphylococci >100 g super(-1). Salmonella could not be detected in any of the samples examined. Crushed ice samples and the platform of the harbour had high bacterial loads

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Not AvailableFinfish and shellfish accumulate chemicals from the polluted environments. The chemical residues of concern are certain heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) and other pesticides. Their abnormal levels in seafood pose hazards to public health. Background levels of trace metals in seawater and freshwater over the world are given here.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableFood standards have been introduced on a national/international basis to protect the consumers health and to ensure fair practices in food trade. The formulation of standards for fish products became necessary to attain a minimum standard of cleanliness and hygiene in fish handling, processing and marketing. The exporting country or company should be aware of the quality requirements of the buying nation. Standards are intended to guide and promote export or import of fishery products between countries. Some Governments of all countries are responsible for public health problems arising from the consumption of fish products, they enforce certain food laws and introduce standardsNot Availabl

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Not AvailableFish is a highly perishable commodity. Spoilage of fish begins as soon as the fish dies. In tropical conditions, fish spoils quite rapidly, within a few hours of landing, if not properly cooled. The spoilage rate of fish may be reduced by good handling practices and effective temperature control from the very beginningNot Availabl

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Not AvailableConcentrations of trace metals, viz. mercury (Hg), cadmium (CD), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) were monitored in frozen squid (Loligo duvacelii) and cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) products. The whole soft parts of cuttlefish and squid often contained high levels of Cd(>2ppm) and As (>1ppm). A high concentration of Cd was always associated with high levels of Cu and Zn in both the molluscs. Hg content was very low and ranged between 50-100 ppb. Pb was present in low concentrations. Liver was found to be the major site of accumulation for Cd, Cu and Zn, in these species. The order of accumulation of the metals, in general was liver> gonad > gills > muscle. Se content often exceeded 3 ppm in the whole soft parts. However a corresponding build up was not found in liver or other organs.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableHeavy metal contamination of the environment, particularly, the aquatic environment is of great public health significance in the modern world. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment. Mercury or its compounds have been used in chior-alkali plants and as fungicides in agriculture and horticulture. It is found in minute quantities in all living organisms. Trace metals can be accumulated in fish via food chain and water. Aquatic organisms are extensively used in pollution monitoring programmes (UNEP, 1993; Uthe et al., 1991). Fishes are considered as good indicators for heavy metal contamination in aquatic systems because they occupy different trophic levels at different growth stages (Zhang et al., 2007). Once mercury enters the ecosystem, naturally occurring bacteria convert it to a form called methyl mercury or dimethyl mercury by a process known as biomethylation or bacterial methylation. Methyl mercury is toxic to human beings and predatory fishes such as large tuna, swordfish and shark can have mercury concentrations in their bodies that are 10,000 times higher than those of their surrounding waters (NRDC, 2010). EU and US regulation of 1997 made residue monitoring mandatory for seafood. Contamination may occur at any stage of production, processing and marketing. regulatory limits are set for some of these contaminants.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableIn the present study the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in root extract of Rhizophora apiculata and Acanthus ilicifolius was determined, their antioxidant property was assayed a nd the protective effect of R. apiculata root extract on induced-oxidative stress was examined. R. apiculata and A. ilicifolius root extracts were found to be rich sources of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. DPPH free ra dical scavenging assay has shown that R. apiculata has a better antioxidant activity than A. illicifolius . R. apiculata root extract had protective effect on sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress in brain of rats. The extract normalized the sodium nitrite-in duced alterations in the levels of glutathione, lipid peroxides and antiperoxidativ e enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutas e. Mangrove root extract had a beneficial effect in ameliorating oxidative stress in the brain of rats which may be attributed to the presence of flavonoid and polyphenolic compounds.Not Availabl