Abstract: Trichiutus haumela samples packaged in controlled atmosphere with 40% CO2＋10% O2＋50% N2, 60% CO2＋10% O2＋30% N2, or 80% CO2＋10% O2＋10% N2 were stored at (4 ± 1) ℃ for 14 days. Changes in sensory evaluation values, total bacteria count, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), pH value, the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and drip loss were determined during the storage period to evaluate the effect of CO2 concentration in MAP environment on cold storage characteristics of Trichiutus haumela. It was showed that Trichiutus haumela had lower total bacteria count and total volatile base nitrogen in MAP environment than in normal atmospheric environment. High CO2 MAP had better antimicrobial effect, but drip loss became more serious with increasing CO2 concentration. MAP, however, did not obviously inhibit lipid peroxidation in Trichiutus haumela. MAP with a gas composition of 80% CO2＋10% O2＋10% N2 could extent the shelf-life of Trichiutus haumela to more than 14 days.

Key words: Trichiutus haumela, CO2, modified atmosphere packaging, cold storage