Fishery products are considered highly perishable foods due to their high moisture content, high water activity, near-neutral pH, and the presence of unsaturated fats. Maintaining the quality and safety of fish and other aquatic products from the time of harvest or capture to consumption requires a combination of measures, including proper hygiene, processing, packaging, and maintenance of the cold chain.
Appropriate packaging can prevent secondary contamination, physical damage, moisture loss, lipid oxidation, and undesirable sensory changes. In combination with other preservation methods, it can also help extend the shelf life of the product.
In recent years, technologies such as vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active packaging, intelligent packaging, edible films and coatings, and biodegradable materials have received considerable attention. However, the selection and application of these technologies should be based on the species of aquatic organism, product form, processing method, storage temperature, and food safety requirements. |