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Reports

Optimal storage conditions for fresh farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Emilia Martinsdóttir, Cyprian Ogombe Odoli, Hélène L. Lauzon, Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Hannes Magnússon, Sigurjón Arason, Ragnar Jóhannsson

Supported by:

Technology Development Fund

Contact

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

kolbrun.sveinsdottir@matis.is

Optimal storage conditions for fresh farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets

The purpose of the experiments was to find the best storage conditions for fresh tilapia fillets by determining the shelf life by sensory evaluation, microbial counts and physical and chemical measurements. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) raised in a renewable water cycle system was filleted and packed in 100% air and aerated packages 50% CO2: 50% N2 MA for storage at 1˚C and -1˚C. The development of the QIM rating scale and the sensory evaluation properties of fresh and cooked tilapia fillets and the use of the scale in shelf life testing are described. A linear relationship was found between the quality factor and the storage time (r> 0.93) for all storage groups. The results of sensory evaluation and microbial counts showed that fillets packed in air had a shelf life of 13-15 days at 1˚C and 20 days at -1˚C. At the end of shelf life in air packs, the total number of micro-organisms and the number of pseudomonads micro-logs were 7 CFU / g in meat. In fillets in aerated packages, the coating phase was longer and the total number of microorganisms was below log 4 CFU / g after 27 days of storage at both 1˚C and -1˚C. However, aerobic conditions adversely affected the color of the fillets shortly after packing, but the color of the fillets significantly affected buyers' choices. Chemical measurements such as TVB-N and TMA were not a good measure of damaged fillet fillets. The best storage conditions for tilapia fillets are air packing and storage at a constant low temperature of -1 ° C. This report is based on the main findings of Cyprian Ogombe Odoli's master's project.

The main aim was to establish optimal storage conditions for fresh tilapia fillets by determining its shelf life by sensory and microbiological evaluation, as well as monitoring its physical-chemical properties. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farmed in recirculation aquaculture system was filleted and packaged in 100% air and 50% CO2: 50% N2 MA prior to storage at different temperature; 1˚C and -1˚C. This report further describes the development of a Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme and a sensory vocabulary for fresh and cooked tilapia fillets accordingly and application in a shelf life study. The application of the QIM scheme for tilapia fillets showed a linear relationship between QIM scores and storage time (r> 0.93) for all samples. The results from sensory analysis of cooked samples as well as microbial growth indicated that fillets packaged in 100% air had a shelf life of 13-15 days during storage at 1˚C and 20 days during storage at -1˚C. At the end of shelf life in 100% air packaged groups, TVC and pseudomonads counts reached log 7 CFU / g in flesh. In MA packaged fillets, the lag phase and generation time of bacteria was extended and recorded total counts below the limit for consumption (<log 4 CFU / g) up to 27 days of storage at both 1˚C and -1˚C. However, MA packaging negatively affected the color characteristics of the fillets soon after packaging (as from d6) but color is an important indicator of quality and a major factor in influencing retail purchase decisions. Chemical analyzes (TVB-N and TMA) were not good indicators of spoilage of tilapia fillets in the present study. 100% air packaging at -1˚C storage temperature is the optimal storage conditions for fresh tilapia fillets. The report is based on the master thesis of Cyprian Ogombe Odoli.

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Reports

Injection and brining of tilapia fillets

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Kristín Anna Þórarinsdóttir, Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Þóra Valsdóttir, Irek Klonowski, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Hannes Magnússon, Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, Ragnar Jóhannsson, Emilia Martinsdóttir

Supported by:

Tækniþróunarsjóður Rannís / Technology Development Fund, RANNIS - Icelandic Center for Research

Contact

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

kolbrun.sveinsdottir@matis.is

Injection and brining of tilapia fillets

The aim of the project was to investigate the effect of spraying and pickling on the utilization, shelf life and properties of tilapia fillets. Three product categories were produced: chilled products, frozen products (with insignificant changes in salt content) and lightly salted, frozen products. During the processing of chilled products, red fillets were injected with a weak brine (1% salt) containing a reduced cod base (2% brine protein). Lightly salted fillets were initially sprayed with 4% brine, then pickled overnight. Part of the fillet was frozen after pickling but a similar amount was injected with the protein solution after pickling. Utilization increased during spraying and pickling, there was a significant difference in weight changes in frozen fillets and lightly salted fillets due to differences in the salt content of these two product categories. The waterproofness of fillets was poorer after freezing than after storage in the refrigerator. The shelf life of products was short and possible reasons for this are discussed in the report. Microbial growth and degradation processes were largely independent of injection and brine.

The objective of the project was to study effect of injection and brining on the yield, storage life and characteristics of tilapia fillets. Three different product groups were produced: chilled. Frozen (with small salt changes) and lightly salted products. During processing of chilled products fillets with skin were injected with brine containing minced cod (2%) protein in brine. Lightly brined fillets were initially injected with 4% brine and then brined overnight. A part of the fillets was frozen after brining but similar part was injected with protein solution after brining. The yield increased with injection and brining, distinct difference was in the weight changes of frozen and lightly salted fillets because of the difference of the salt content of these two product groups. Water holding capacity of the frozen fillets was lower than for chilled fillets and the storage life was very short. Microbial growth was mostly not depending on the injection and brining.

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Reports

Fishing, sorting, processing and markets for mackerel caught by pelagic vessels. Analysis of samples and classification properties / Fishing, grading, pre ‐ processing, processing and marketing of mackerel products catches by pelagic vessels. Analyzing samples and grading trait

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Ragnheiður Sveinþórsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Fishing, sorting, processing and markets for mackerel caught by pelagic vessels. Analysis of grading and classification properties / Fishing, grading, pre ‐ processing, processing and marketing of mackerel products catches by pelagic vessels. Analyzing samples and grading trait

The aim of this project is to study the fishing of pelagic fishing vessels for mackerel in Icelandic waters, make formal measurements, come up with solutions on how to sort the mackerel from other fish on board and how to process it in freezer vessels. The equipment options necessary for the processing will be analyzed, and markets for mackerel caught in Icelandic waters will also be explored according to the seasons. In this section, the collection and analysis of mackerel samples collected in the summers of 2008 and 2009 was reported. Classification properties were also discussed.

The objective of this project is to examine mackerel fishing on Icelandic fishing grounds, perform geometrician measurements, find the best solution for grading the mackerel by size and species on board and how to process it in freezer vessels. Analyze what kind of technology is necessary. Moreover, to examine the markets for mackerel caught on Icelandic fishing grounds during the summer. In this part conclusion are present after the collecting and analysis of samples during summers 2008 and 2009. Also, some conclusions are about grading properties.

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Reports

24-hour detection of undesirable microbes in food / 24-hour detection of undesirable microbes in food

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Eyjólfur Reynisson, Sveinn Haukur Magnússon, Árni Rafn Rúnarsson, Viggó Þór Marteinsson

Supported by:

Tækniþróunarsjóður, AVS

Contact

Viggó Marteinsson

Research Group Leader

viggo@matis.is

24-hour detection of undesirable microbes in food / 24-hour detection of undesirable microbes in food

The aim of the project was to develop and establish methods for rapid detection of undesirable bacteria in agricultural and marine products as well as other foods. With traditional methods as used today, results are obtained after 3 and up to 7 days, but with the methods developed in this project, it is possible to get results in a few hours or within 24 hours. The method is based on real-time PCR methodology and specific amplification of the genetic material of pathogenic bacteria and other undesirable bacteria. Diagnostic methods have been developed for major pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus) in milk, meat and fish products as well as for specific spoilage bacteria in food. The results of the project will improve services to the food industry in Iceland by detecting unwanted microorganisms much earlier so that it is possible to intervene in production processes and thereby increase consumer safety in agricultural and fish products.

The aim of this project was to develop and set up new methods for rapid identification of undesirable bacteria in food and feed. With today's conventional and accredited culture methods results can be expected after 3 and up to 7 days. With the new methods to be taken in use and was developed in this project, the time of diagnostic procedure will decrease to few hours or to one working day. The detection methods are based on real ‐ time PCR technology and a specific amplification of genetic material of the undesired bacteria. Diagnostic methods for the most common pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus) in meat‐, milk and fish products were developed through as well as quantitative assays for the main spoilage bacteria in fish. The results of the project will be used to improve the service for the Icelandic food industry on the domestic‐ and overseas markets by having rapid diagnostic methods for bacterial contamination at hand.

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Reports

Spicy salt / Pickled dulce

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Þóra Valsdóttir, Irek Klonowski, Eyjólfur Friðgeirsson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Contact

Þóra Valsdóttir

Project Manager

thora.valsdottir@matis.is

Spicy salt / Pickled dulce

Íslensk hollusta ehf got Matís to collaborate with them to complete product development on spicy silver. Tests were performed on marinating in several common materials, ie. oil, soy sauce, vinegar, whey and brine. Marinating similar to that used by Íslensk hollusta ehf turned out to be the best, but tests showed that the processing process could be significantly improved to the best product in terms of appearance, taste and shelf life. Spicy salts are now an interesting product with a beautiful look and delicious taste. It will be interesting to see how the market responds to this innovation.

The project focused on finalizing product development of pickled dulse developed by Íslensk hollusta ehf. Tests were executed with various curing media; oil, soy, vinegar, whey and salt brine. The curing media selected was similar to the one already developed by Íslensk hollusta. However, improvements in the processing were obtained, especially with regard to optimization of appearance, flavor and storage time or shelf life. Pickled dulse is now an interesting product with attractive appearance and taste. It will be interesting to see how the market will respond to this new product.

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Reports

Porkmeat products from an ecological farm

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Guðmundur Heiðar Gunnarsson, Óli Þór Hilmarsson

Supported by:

Agricultural Productivity Fund

Contact

Óli Þór Hilmarsson

Project Manager

oli.th.hilmarsson@matis.is

Porkmeat products from an ecological farm

The project worked with a holistic approach to maximizing the profit from pig farming at Miðskersbúið through the processing of selected products for the consumer market. The project has resulted in Miðskersbúið processing and selling directly about 15% of its meat to the consumer market. The opportunities that existed in product development were thoroughly reviewed. This was done by defining potential products in detail. Subsequently, utilization and shrinkage in Miðskerssvín were analyzed by processing four animals. Based on the above, a calculation model was compiled where it is possible to estimate the margin of an entire animal based on different products and compare it with what the farmer would receive for the animal by selling it on foot to the slaughter license holder. With such a plan, it was found that a significant increase in margins can be achieved by further processing the thighs, loins and sides into Bayonne ham, hamburger loin and bacon. In parallel with product development, work was done on building an image and promotional material for the production. Miðskersbúið now sells its products directly, both through Beintfrá-býli and through the food cluster in Ríki Vatnajökull. The project has supported Miðskersbúið in its efforts to achieve efficiency in operations by fully processing gourmet products instead of concentrating on bulk production of raw meat.

In this project a holistic approach was taken to optimize the value of the meat produced by a local pig farmer. This was achieved by increased processing of the meat in such manner that it was ready for marketing at high end local gourmet market. Based on the project the farmer now processes and sells 15% of his produce directly to local customers. During the project candidate products were defined. Further the yield of meat was analyzed during deboning of the whole animal. Based on the observed yield it was possible to assemble a model to optimize the value of the meat with further production. With such studies we found out that the highest price was obtained with production of bacon, Bayonne ham, glazed ham (hamborgarhryggur), and pate. Parallel to the processing we designed new material for advertisement and media giving a clear image of the small scale production. Currently the farmer markets his high end products directly through two different clusters. One is a national co-op between farmers selling products directly and the other is a regional co-op for marketing the product of Vatnajokull Region (South-East of Iceland). The project has resulted in increased value addition for the farmer with further processing of his meat instead of turning into mass production approach to increase the margin of profit.

Closed report.

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Reports

Taste and pastures. Progress report

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Rósa Jónsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Óli Þór Hilmarsson, Guðjón Þorkelsson

Supported by:

Agricultural Productivity Fund, Agricultural University of Iceland

Contact

Rósa Jónsdóttir

Research Group Leader

rosa.jonsdottir@matis.is

Taste and pastures. Progress report

The project is about researching and investigating whether there are differences in the characteristics and tastes of lamb meat according to grazing habits and the origin of lambs in them. The purpose is to further strengthen the basis for the processing and sale of lamb directly from the farm based on the specificities of each area. The project is carried out in collaboration with Austurlambur, Búnaðarsamband Austurlands, the towns of Hákonarstaðir and StóraBreiðuvík, Gunnarsstaðir, Matís and the Association of Chefs. It is divided into preparation by farmers, slaughter and sampling, measurements of flavors and aromas, assessment of culinary properties, settlement and presentation at the Agricultural Research Council and preparation of promotional material for the farm / area in question for use in marketing and finally writing a scientific article on the research. The project hopes to be able to describe in detail the taste and characteristics of lamb meat of different grazing types to use when the meat is sold in the local lamb market in online stores, tourism, restaurants and other gourmet markets so that higher prices can be obtained. the meat and higher profitability directly on the farm. The farm in question and Austurlamb will utilize the results in promotions and marketing work, as well as the project being useful to other producers and processors of lamb meat. All preparation, slaughter, sampling and measurements have been completed and the results are being processed. A final report and publication of the results is expected in February at the Agricultural Research Council. At the end of January, a half-day seminar on the effects of grazing on the taste of lamb is planned, held at Matvælaskólinn in Kópavogur with the participation of Matís, Matvælaskólinn, sheep farmers and chefs.

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Reports

QALIBRA Final report from the cluster activities

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir, Björn Þorgilsson

Supported by:

European Commission, Matís, FERA, RIVM, WU, Upatras, Altagra, INRB IP / IPIMAR

QALIBRA Final report from the cluster activities

This project report describes a joint meeting of two European projects called QALIBRA and BENERIS. The meeting was held in Budapest, Hungary, on 10 and 11 June 2009. Both projects fall under Priority 5, Food Quality & Safety in the 6th EU Research Program and share some work components.

The purpose of the meeting was:

1) Presentation of the main results of both projects

2) Work on improvements to the joint presentation plan of the projects

3) Comments and proposals of the reference advisory committee of the projects on the work and the continuation

QALIBRA, or “Quality of Life - Integarted Benefit and Risk Analysis. Web-based tool for assessing food safety and health benefits, ”abbreviated QALIBRA (Heilsuvogin in Icelandic), is a three-and-a-half-year project led by Matís. The project manager is Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir, department manager at Matís. The aim of the QALIBRA project is to develop quantitative methods to assess both the positive and negative effects of food ingredients on human health. The goal is to present these methods in a computer program that will be open and accessible to all stakeholders on the World Wide Web. The aim of the BENERIS project is to create a methodology for dealing with complex benefit-risk situations, and then use them to assess the benefits / risks that certain types of food can bring. The first type of food that will be used in the development of this methodology is seafood. This report describes the discussions and the main conclusions of the meeting.

This report is a summary of the 3rd and final Cluster meeting of the QALIBRA and the BENERIS projects in Budapest, Hungary, June 10-11th, 2009. Both projects are funded by the EC´s 6th framework program, and have the same contract start dates and a common workpackage (WP6) for cluster activities. The projects started on April 1st 2006 and the cluster activities will run until October 2009, or for 42 months. This report contains results of the discussions that took place and the actions defined, while the overheads presented during the meeting are compiled in an Annex to the report. The overall objectives of QALIBRA are to develop a suite of quantitative methods for assessing and integrating beneficial and adverse effects of foods, and make them available to stakeholders as web-based software for assessing and communicating net health impacts. The methods and tools developed by QALIBRA will be tested in two case studies on oily fish and functional food. The overall objective of BENERIS is to create a framework for handling complicated benefit-risk situations, and apply it for analysis of the benefits and risks of certain foods. The first food commodity to be used in the development of the methodology is fish.

The objectives of the Cluster meeting were:

1) Dissemination and sharing of information of the main findings of the different parts of both projects

2) Refining the joint dissemination plan

3) Obtain feedback and advice from the Qalibra / Beneris Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP)

This report contains results of the discussions that took place and the actions defined.

Report closed until 01.01.2012

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Reports

QALIBRA Dissemination material for first end-user workshop

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir, Jeljer Hoekstra, Marco Zeilmaker, Nynke de Jong, Bas Bokkers, Helen Owen, Andy Hart, Lynn Frewer, Nikos Avouris

Supported by:

European Commission Matís, FERA, RIVM, WU, Upatras, Altagra, INRB IP / IPIMAR

QALIBRA Dissemination material for first end-user workshop

This project report contains promotional materials and teaching materials used in the first stakeholder seminar to present the results and programs developed in the European QALIBRA project. During this course, participants were introduced to and taught a program developed in QALIBRA to assess the risks and benefits of food consumption, as well as the opportunity to try out the program themselves. The course was held on 9-10 September 2009 in Budapest, Hungary. Matís organized and directed the course and also participated in presentations and teaching together with other participants (partners) in the European project QALIBRA There were 31 participants in the course and they came from various stakeholders, including food regulators, health sector, food companies and universities across Europe. Participants submitted an evaluation of the course after that and were generally very pleased with how successful it was and considered the QALIBRA program to assess the risks and benefits of food consumption to offer great potential, as well as pointing out ways to improve it, but aiming for it that the program will be accessible to stakeholders on the World Wide Web when the project is completed.

This report contains the dissemination materials that were used at the first enduser workshop of the QALIBRA project, 9-10 September 2009. These materials are also intended for use in further training activities which may be organized after the end of the Qalibra project. The overall objectives of QALIBRA are to develop a suite of quantitative methods for assessing and integrating beneficial and adverse effects of foods, and make them available to stakeholders as web-based software for assessing and communicating net health impacts. Dissemination of, information about complex systems, such as the integrated assessment methodologies being developed in the Qalibra project, to end-users and stakeholders can be difficult. Similarly, knowledge transfer to potential endusers also represents a challenge. In QALIBRA, end-user uptake is promoted by a systematic program of dissemination activities adapted to the needs of all stakeholders, and by the development of targeted, tested materials and programs that allow use of the system by technical end-users during and after completion of the Qalibra project. To promote end-user uptake of the web-based software developed in QALIBRA, a workshop format is used. This report contains the material used at the first end-user workshop, which was carried out with project partners and 31 prospective end-users from food authorities, food companies and academia from 12 different Member States and 3 Associated States. A post-workshop feedback survey showed a very positive response by the participants, and was also useful in identifying areas for further improvement of the Qalibra tool in the final months of the project.

Report closed until 01.01.2012

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Reports

Mercury and other undesirable trace elements in brown trout (Salmo trutta trutta L.) from Lake Thingvallavatn

Published:

01/12/2009

Authors:

Jóhannes Sturlaugsson, Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir, Franklín Georgsson, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Orkuveita Reykjavíkur's Environment and Energy Fund (UOOR), Matís ohf, Laxfiskar ehf

Mercury and other undesirable trace elements in brown trout (Salmo trutta trutta L.) from Lake Thingvallavatn

The aim of the project was to obtain information on the amount of mercury and other undesirable trace elements in Þingvallaurrið, taking into account their size and prehistory with human nutrition in mind. That goal also meant that the results should be communicated to the public as well as stakeholders in the Þingvellir area. The study was conducted in collaboration with Matís and Laxfiskar. A total of 43 trout in the size range of 23-98 cm and 0.13‐14 kg were studied. The trout covered by the study were caught in the years 2002-2008. For some of them, information from traditional labels was available. In addition, samples were taken from several fish that had a prehistory that was recorded in detail with measuring instruments in terms of their behavior and environment. The results of these studies on the behavioral ecology of the fish showed that some of them sought to stay by hot springs that flow into Þingvallavatn below Nesjahraun. Biological factors of the fish such as size, age, sex, sexual maturity, etc. were recorded for each individual and samples taken from the flesh and trace elements analyzed. The results of trace element analyzes of the fish's flesh show that there is a considerable probability that fish longer than 60 cm will contain more mercury than is permitted by Icelandic and European regulations (0.5 mg / kg mercury). According to the recommendations of the Food Administration (MAST), which is an official regulator of food in Iceland, it is not permitted to sell fish that contain more than 0.5 mg / kg of mercury. The results of the study showed that there was a strong correlation between the length of the trout and the amount of mercury in it. Biomagnification is the most likely reason for the high concentration of mercury in trout from Þingvallavatn, which usually become rather large and old, as the concentration of mercury increases as it moves up the food chain. Þingvellir trout is at the top of the food chain, where it eats most of its age, mainly char, primarily the brown variety. It is desirable that further research be carried out in this field to get a picture of the origin of mercury in the Þingvellir landslide and the process of its accumulation.  

The aim of the project was to study the occurrence and quantity of mercury as well as other undesirable trace elements in brown trout from Lake Thingvallavatn in relation to the fish size and their life history. Public health was the main issue of this study. The aim was also to disseminate the results to the public and all stakeholders. The study was carried out in co ‐ operation of Matis and Salmon and Trout Research (Laxfiskar). In total, 3 brown trout individuals, 23‐98 cm long and weighing 0.13‐14 kg, were examined. The trout were caught during the years 2002 to 2008. Information from conventional tagging studies were available for some of the individuals. For six fish additional detailed results from studies on their behavior and corresponding environment was available, due to use of electronic tags (data storage tags and ultrasonic tags). These studies on the behavioral ecology of the trout showed that some of the individuals preferred areas where hot spring water runs into Lake Thingvallavatn at the Nesjahraun area. Individuals were measured and examined in order to get information on their size, condition and life history. Flesh samples were taken from the fish for trace element analyzes. The results of the study show that there is a positive linear relationship between the mercury concentration and the fish length. These analytical results showed that there is significant probability that fish that is 60 cm in length or larger, can contain mercury in quantity that exceeds the maximum allowed limit according to Icelandic and European regulations (0,5 mg / kg mercury). According to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), food products containing mercury in higher concentration than 0,5 mg / kg should not be sold or distributed. Biomagnification is presumed to be the cause for high concentration of mercury in the bigger and older brown trout from Lake Thingvallavatn as the results show that brown trout is a top predator in Lake Thingvallavatn and feeds mainly on charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.), especially the pelagic morph murta. Further research is needed on the origin of mercury in brown trout in Lake Thingvallavatn and on the route of the corresponding biomagnifications in the food chain of the lake.

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