Effect of modified atmosphere packaging and superchilled storage on the shelf‐life of farmed ready‐to‐cook spotted wolf‐fish ( Anarhichas minor )

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) combined with superchilling (−1°C) was evaluated as a mild preservation method for farmed spotted wolf‐fish (Anarhichas minor). Portions were packaged in air and in CO2:N2 (60%:40%) atmosphere with a gas:product ratio of approximately 1, at superchilled (−1.0°C ± 0.2°C) or chilled (+4.0°C ± 0.2°C) temperatures. A reduced bacterial growth (p < 0.001), measured as aerobic plate counts (APC) and psychrotrophic bacteria, was observed in modified atmosphere (MA) packaged wolf‐fish at both −1°C and +4°C, compared to portions in air. MA‐packaged wolf‐fish had improved odour and flavour scores (p < 0.05), but also a higher drip loss than fish stored in air. A shelf‐life of 15 days was obtained at −1°C for MA‐packaged fish compared to 8–10 days in air, and at 4°C the shelf‐life was 13 days in MA and 6–8 days in air. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.