Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of modified atmosphere packages (MAPs) on quality maintenance of Scophthalmus maximus were packaged under different modified atmospheres (60% CO2 + 5% O2 + 35% N2, 60% CO2 + 30% O2 + 10% N2, and 40% CO2 + 30% O2 + 30% N2) for cold storage at 4 ℃. Changes in sensory evaluation score, total bacterial count, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and drip loss were measured during the storage. Results showed that the shelf-life of air-packaged S. maximus was 4 d, while that of MAP1 (60% CO2 + 5% O2 + 35% N2) treatment was the longest (8 d). High CO2 MAP had better antimicrobial effect and could significantly slow down the rise of pH, total bacterial count and TVB-N, but drip loss became more serious with increasing CO2 concentration. MAP, however, did not obviously inhibit lipid peroxidation in S. maximus but high O2 MAP accelerated lipid peroxidation. After eight days of storage with MAP1, total bacterial count of S. maximus turned out to be 6.69 (lg(CFU/g)), TVB-N was 11.99 mg/100 g, and TBA value was 2.34 mg/100 g. Thus, MAP could effectively extend the shelf-life of S. maximus during refrigerated storage and demonstrated good preservative and antibacterial effects.

Key words: Scophthalmus maximus, modified atmosphere packaging, preservation, quality changes