Reports

Holding of Arctic char in a RAS transport system

Published:

16/12/2019

Authors:

Guðmundur Stefánsson, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir

Supported by:

EIT Food

Contact

Guðmundur Stefánsson

Director of Research Groups

gudmundur.stefansson@matis.is

Holding of Arctic char in a RAS transport system

In September 2019 two live holding trials with Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) were carried out at Matís where the fish was kept for up to eight days in a RAS holding and transport system developed by Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. The RAS system, which recirculated the water, controlled the pH and removed accumulated ammonia, was set up in a 40 feet reefer tank to control the temperature at 4 ° C. The project was funded by EIT food and the participants were Technion and Matís.

The results show that Arctic char could be held at a density of 80 kg / m3 at 4 ° C for 8 days in the RAS system, without adverse effects on mortality. Moreover, no differences were found in the sensory quality (flavor, odor, appearance and texture) of the stored fish compared to fish before it was placed in the RAS system. The stored fish had however more gaping, higher cooking yield and marginally lighter color than fish before placing in the system. 

However, a bio-load of 135-145 kg / m3 Arctic char in the RAS storage and holding system led to a high mortality. Moreover, on slaughter the surviving fish had adverse sensory quality as indicated by loss of characteristic flavor and odor as well as firmer, drier and tougher texture. The fish had a high incidence of gaping, a high cooking yield and showed evidence of deformation on cooking.

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Reports

Quality survey of minced beef in January 2010 / Evaluation of the quality of minced beef in January 2010

Published:

01/03/2010

Authors:

Ólafur Reykdal, Óli Þór Hilmarsson, Guðjón Þorkelsson

Supported by:

National Association of Cow Farmers, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Consumer Association

Contact

Ólafur Reykdal

Project Manager

olafur.reykdal@matis.is

Quality survey of minced beef in January 2010 / Evaluation of the quality of minced beef in January 2010

In mid-January 2010, a survey was conducted on the content and labeling of ground beef. Eight samples were taken from pre-packaged ground beef in shops in the capital area. The labeling of the packaging was examined with regard to the provisions in regulations. Measurements were made of meat species, soy protein, fat, protein and water. Added water and added fiber / hydrocarbons were evaluated by calculations. The main results of the survey are that other types of meat were not mixed with ground beef and soy protein was not detected. According to calculations, water was added in 6 samples out of 8, but for one of the six samples, water was not in the description of ingredients. The packaging of two samples was marked with 12% added water, but the calculations did not indicate much added water. According to the ingredient descriptions, potato fiber is increased to 4 products out of 8. The fibers bind water, but the use of such substances is permitted according to regulations. A comparison with nutrition labeling revealed that fat was above the stated value in three cases and protein was below the marked value in two cases. In some cases, the labeling on the packaging did not meet the requirements of the regulations. Nutrition labeling was missing for two samples. There was a lack of adequate address and subtitle markings. It can be concluded that there is a need to improve the labeling of beef mince packaging. Regulation on meat and meat products no. 331/2005 is unclear on issues such as added water and therefore there is every reason to review the regulation.

A survey on the composition and labeling of minced beef was carried out in January 2010. Eight products of prepacked minced beef were sampled from supermarkets in Reykjavik. The labels were compared to provisions in regulations. The products were analyzed for meat species soy protein, fat, protein, ash and water. Added water and added carbohydrates / fiber were calculated from analytical values. The main results of the survey were that other meat species were not added to the minced beef and soy protein was not detected. According to calculations, water was added to 6 out of 8 samples but for one of the samples water was not listed as an ingredient. In two products added water was less than the 12 percent stated on the label. Potato fibers were according to the labels added to 4 products. This is in accordance with regulations. Fat percentage was higher than declared in three products and protein was less than declared in two products. Labeling did not fulfill regulatory requirements in some cases. Nutrient labeling was lacking in 2 samples. Addresses of producers and subtext in the name of the products were sometimes missing. The Icelandic regulation on meat and meat products No. 331/2005 is unclear on how to estimate and calculate added water and needs to be revised.

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