Abstract:The present study was undertaken to investigate the influences of air packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 60%CO2+15%O2+25%N2) and vacuum packaging (VP) on the quality degradation of tuna (Thunnus obesus) in cold chain logistic process. Sensory evaluation, microbiological analysis, chemical and physical indices (a* value, pH, TBA, TVB-N and histamine) were assayed periodically in simulated situation of logistics. The result showed that both MAP and VP had dampening effects on quality degradation of tuna caused by the temperature variation in inadequate cold chain logistics. However, MAP was better for maintaining the flesh color, inhibit microbial growth and histamine generation. Total viable count and histamine of MAP tuna were 3.68 lg(CFU/g) and 8.86×10-2 mg/g, respectively. All indices did not exceed the safety levels of tuna sashimi. The results suggested that MAP could reduce the quality degradation rate of tuna in inadequate cold chain logistics effectively.
