Quality Characteristics of Salted Dried Fish from Selected Retail Markets in Kerala during Different Seasons

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical and microbial quality of salted dried fishes available in the retail markets in Kerala during different seasons. Moisture content of salted dried fishes was in the range of 5.27-43.7, 18.14 - 49.37 and 6.63- 48.75 % for summer, monsoon and post monsoon, respectively. The study found that the moisture content of the fishes was above the acceptable limits in all the seasons. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in moisture content among the seasons in all the fishes. The salt content of the salted dried fishes was found below the acceptable levels in all the seasons. Microbiological quality varied between the seasons and quality was found better in summer followed by post monsoon and monsoon. Coagulase positive staphylococci was found in all the seasons and was above the acceptable limits of 2 log cfu/g. Yeast and mold count was higher during monsoon season and most of the dried fish’s average count was above the recommended limit (2.69 log cfu/g) of FSSR, 2011 whereas during summer and post monsoon, the count was within the limit. The study highlights the importance of imposing stringent measures on hygienic and sanitary practices in post-harvest
handling, storage and marketing in order to safeguard the health of consumers.

Keywords: Salted dried fish, moisture content, seasonal variation, coagulase positive staphylococci