The influence of packaging methodology on the microbiological and fatty acid profiles of refrigerated African catfish fillets.

AIMS: The shelf-life of refrigerated catfish fillets was determined at 2 degrees C, to simulate retail conditions, using two types of packaging materials, vacuum packing (VP) and oxygen permeable packaging (OPP). METHODS AND RESULTS: Representative samples (n=5) from both types of packaging methods were drawn at random every 2 d until a microbiological count of 106 cfu g-1 was reached. Samples were pooled and screened microbiologically using standard methods. Fatty acid analyses of total lipids, neutral lipid, glycolipid and phospholipid fractions were also conducted, to determine at which point the fish was regarded as spoiled and which packaging method provided a longer shelf-life. OPP limits storage to a maximum of 4 d (aerobic plate count of 8.2 x 105 cfu g-1), whereas VP extends the shelf-life of the fillets to between 6 and 8 d (aerobic plate count of 9.2 x 104 cfu g-1 and 1.66 x 106 cfu g-1, respectively). Similarly, coliform counts increased with time; however, packaging material had no statistical influence thereon. CONCLUSION: Until d 13, when the experiment was terminated, no deterioration in lipid composition of the various fractions was noted. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: An extended shelf-life microbiologically-speaking, for potential processors, could thus be obtained by using VP instead of OPP.

Survey of micro-organisms associated with spoilage of cosmetic creams manufactured in South Africa.

Synopsis Two studies were conducted to determine the predominant micro-organisms found in spoiled cosmetic creams manufactured in South Africa. The products evaluated included facial creams and hand and body lotions. Spoiled cosmetic creams were obtained from different manufacturers and analysed microbiologically for the presence of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The frequency and relative density (percentage) of micro-organisms isolated from naturally spoiled creams were calculated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter gergoviae were the most predominant bacteria, whilst Candida parapsilosis and Aspergillus flavus were the most predominant yeast and mould, respectively. Of all the samples examined, approximately two-thirds (69%) were due to microbial spoilage. This study highlighted the importance of adopting suitable quality control guidelines for the local cosmetics industry, similar to those currently used by international cosmetics manufacturers.