Yılmaz Ucar

Effect of the icing with thyme, oregano and clove extracts on quality parameters of gutted and beheaded anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) during chilled storage.

The effect of ice containing thyme (0.04% w/v), oregano (0.03% w/v) and clove (0.02% w/v) extracts on the quality parameters of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) was assessed through the chemical, sensory and microbiological methods. According to sensory analyses, anchovy stored in ice prepared with each plant extracts had a shelf life of 12 days, while batch stored in traditional ice had a shelf life of 9 days. pH were not significantly affected by the presence of plant extracts in the ice. However, a marked antioxidant effect (P<0.05) could be detected with fish kept under plant extract icing systems, according to peroxide (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values. Moreover, the employment of such icing systems led to lower (P<0.05) total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) value and free fatty acid (FFA) formation. Thus, TVB-N proved to be a suitable index for the spoilage of anchovies during chilled storage. The employment of such icing systems also led to significantly lower counts of aerobic mesophiles and psychrotrophic bacteria in anchovy muscle with skin, as compared with the traditional ice batch. This work demonstrates that the use of ice with plant extracts for the storage of gutted and beheaded anchovy can be recommended to improve the quality and extend the shelf life.

Tetrodotoxin levels in pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) caught in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea.

The toxicity of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) from Mersin Bay in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea was measured using a mouse bioassay (MBA) and LC-MS-MS. Pufferfish were caught by trawl fishing, longlining and fishing line from December 2012 to October 2013. Changes in the levels of TTX in the gonads, livers, intestines, skins and muscles as a function of season and sex were determined. The gonads of female fish were toxic in all seasons (>2μg/g), whereas the gonads of male fish were only toxic in the spring and autumn. The highest TTX levels in gonads, livers, intestines and skins of female fish were 52.1, 46.2, 7.64 and 3.43μg/g, respectively, using LC-MS-MS. The TTX level in the muscle of female fish in winter was 2.83μg/g but was otherwise below the toxic limit. Consequently, it can be dangerous to consume pufferfish, including the edible muscle, from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The influences of natural zeolite (cliptinolite) on ammonia and biogenic amine formation by foodborne pathogen.

UNLABELLED The influence of natural zeolite on biogenic amines (BAs) and ammonia (AMN) production by eight common gram negative and positive foodborne pathogens (FBP) were investigated in histidine decarboxylase broth (HDB). Presence of 1% zeolite in the HDB resulted in significantly higher AMN production. Histamine (HIS) production by gram positive bacteria was as low as 0.5 mg/L, whereas Escherichia coli produced 18.96 mg/L of HIS. The use of zeolite also significantly suppressed HIS accumulation by E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. paratyphi A (P < 0.05), although zeolite addition stimulated HIS production by K. pneumonia and Aeromonas hydrophila. The range of tyramine (TYR) production by gram positive bacteria was 1.19 and 4.06 mg/L for Enteroccus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes respectively. The results of study showed that the effect of zeolite on BAs and AMN production was dependent on bacterial strains, as well as zeolite concentrations used. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Natural zeolites are the main absorptive, low-cost material used in agriculture and industry. Although the effect of zeolite on ammonia formation in some industrial systems is well known, there is limited information regarding the impact of zeolite on biogenic amine (BA) production by foodborne pathogens. The data presented in this article will help us to understand the impact of natural zeolite on BA and ammonia production by eight common foodborne pathogens.

The effects of season and sex on fat, fatty acids and protein contents of Sepia officinalis in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea

The effects of season and sex on the fatty acids (FAs) and proximate compositions of the mantle of the mature common cuttlefish were evaluated. The results of the proximate composition showed that the lowest lipid content was obtained from females in winter (0.74%), whereas the highest level of lipid was found in males in autumn (0.94%; p < 0.05). The protein levels of the mantle of the mature male of common cuttlefish were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those found in female specimens. The FA compositions of each sex for all seasons ranged from 29.4% to 32.5% saturated FAs, 8.7–11.1% monounsaturated FAs and 48.2–54.6% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The proportions of n-3 PUFAs (44.0–50.6%) were higher than n-6 PUFAs (3.4–4.3%) regardless of sex and seasons. The levels of eicosapentaenoic acid in the mature common cuttlefish mantle in spring, autumn and winter were 15.9–17.8%, 16.3–17.2% and 15.7–16.8% while those of docosahexaenoic acid were 32.5–33.0%, 27.5–29.0% and 28.7–31.1%, respectively.

Effects of Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Based on Sunflower Oil on the Quality of Farmed Sea Bass and Gilthead Sea Bream Stored at Chilled Temperature (2 ± 2°C)

ABSTRACT The influence of oil-in-water nanoemulsion on the sensory, chemical, and microbiological qualities of sea bream and sea bass fillets stored at 2 ± 2°C was investigated. The results showed that the use of nanoemulsion extended the shelf life of fish one or two days when compared with the control. Treatment with nanoemulsion significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the values of chemical parameters throughout the storage period. Bacterial growth was inhibited by the use of nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsion had an inhibitory effect on protein denaturation during refrigerated storage and microwave cooking. Based on the results, it can be concluded that sunflower oil-based nanoemulsion extended the shelf life and improved the quality of both sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets during storage.

Fish Spoilage Bacterial Growth and Their Biogenic Amine Accumulation: Inhibitory Effects of Olive By-Products

ABSTRACT The antimicrobial effects of olive by-products (olive leaf extract, olive cake, and black water) on foodborne pathogens and fish spoilage bacteria isolated from anchovy, mackerel, and sardine were investigated. Total polyphenol contents in olive by-products were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure and their chemical composition was also evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of olive by-product were performed using the broth microdilution method. Their impact on bacterial growth and biogenic amine production were also monitored in anchovy infusion decarboxylase broth. The total phenol content of olive cake and black water were 14.9 and 20.9 mg gallic acid/g extract, respectively. The major compounds were ethyl oleate (52.3%) and squalene (22.8%) in olive cake and palmitic acid (12.2%), phenanthrene (11.9%), and linoleic acid (11.4%) in olive leaf, while black water consisted of 51.1% squalene and 17.5% oleic acid ethyl ester. The minimum inhibitory concentration of olive leaf ranged from 0.78 to 25 mg/mL. Bacterial strains were more sensitive to olive leaf than other olive by-products. Bacterial load in anchovy infusion decarboxylase broth did not always correlate well with biogenic amine production. The effect of olive leaf, olive cake, and black water on biogenic amine accumulation varied depending on specific bacterial strains and biogenic amine. Olive cake and olive leaf generally had a stronger effect on reducing histamine accumulation by bacteria. Therefore, the results showed the potential effect of olive by-products in preventing or reducing the accumulation of histamine, which may beneficially affect human health.

The effects of sex and season on the metal levels and proximate composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus Linnaeus 1758) caught from the Middle Black Sea

ABSTRACT The effects of seasonal and sexual differences on the levels of macro, trace element, and toxic metal levels in Mullus barbatus were investigated using the ICP-MS. The quantity relationships of macro elements were found as K>P>Na>Ca>Mg for male, P>K>Na>Ca>Mg in female; the quantity relationships of trace elements were determined as Fe>Zn>Mn>Mo>Se>Cu>Ni>Co in male, Fe>Zn>Mn>Se>Cu>Ni>Mo>Co in female; and the quantity relationship of toxic elements were found as As>Pb>Cd in both male and female. Macro, trace, and toxic metal levels showed no significant differences (p > .05) in terms of sexuality, but demonstrated seasonal differences (p > .05). Overall, the highest level of macro elements was determined in the autumn, while the high level of trace elements was measured in the winter. The As, Cd, and Pb levels in the muscle tissue of red mullet fish were higher than acceptable limits. However, when the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI) of both toxic metals are considered, they appear to be below acceptable limits. As a result, it was determined that the red mullet had been contaminated with toxic metals (Cd and Pb) but their levels according to EDI and EWI were below the limit.

First report on TTX levels of the yellow spotted pufferfish (Torquigener flavimaculosus) in the Mediterranean Sea

ABSTRACT The differences of tetrodotoxin (TTX) levels in various parts of pufferfish (Torquigener flavimaculosus) were examined in conjunction with the seasonal and sexual variations. The TTX levels in gonads, liver, intestines, skin and muscle tissue were determined using the Q‐TOF LC/MS. Instrumental analysis revealed that all examined tissues from T. flavimaculosus contained high TTX concentrations. TTX levels in the gonads, liver, intestines, skin and muscle tissue of pufferfish were within the range of 5.03–100.71, 7.04–106.80, 12.59–86.30, 33.95–139.88 and 15.88–86.07 (&mgr;g/g), respectively. It was determined that in all seasons, except for summer, female individuals had higher TTX levels than males. Among all seasons, the highest level of TTX was found in winter and the lowest in autumn. Consequently, T. flavimaculosus is a highly toxic pufferfish that is dangerous for human consumption and should not be consumed under any circumstances. HIGHLIGHTSThe first report is on the TTX content of T. flavimaculosus (pufferfish) in the Mediterranean Sea.TTX content in pufferfish was determined by using the Q‐TOF LC/MS analysis.All seasons except for summer, female individuals had higher TTX levels than males.Regardless of gender, this species is a highly toxic pufferfish that is dangerous for human consumption.

The Function of Emulsions on the Biogenic Amine Formation and their Indices of Sea Bass Fillets (Dicentrarchus Labrax) Stored in Vacuum Packaging: The impact of emulsion…

The impacts of emulsions based on commercial oils on the biogenic amine formation and their indices of vacuumed packed sea bass fillets were investigated. The results showed that among biogenic amines, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine, serotonin, dopamine, and agmatine were predominant amines in sea bass fillets stored under vacuum packaging. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in biogenic amines concentrations of vacuumed packed sea bass treated with emulsions were observed. All groups contained histamine lower than 5.0 mg/100 g, regarded as the allowable limit by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Polyamine levels were not affected by application of emulsion. Quality index (QI) showed an increase and after 14 d of storage it decreased in all groups. The control generally seemed to higher QI value than those of treatment groups except at 14 and 18 days while soybean and corn gave lower QI among treatment groups. Only biogenic amine index correlated with sensory acceptability of vacuumed packed sea bass, indicating that this index can be used for determination of the degree of spoilage of vacuumed packed sea bass. Emulsions extended the shelf-life (approximately 2 to 4 d) of vacuumed packed sea bass fillets by inhibiting microbial growth compared to the control. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Emulsions have become popular since they are regarded as ideal carrier for the delivery of lipophilic substances due to the ease of preparation, small particle size, their enhanced bioavailability, and long term kinetic stability. They have been proven to be self-preserving antimicrobials due to bound water in their structure and thus no available water to microorganisms. Antimicrobial emulsions have potential applications in many fields because they are inexpensive, stable, and nontoxic agents.

The Effects of Sex and Seasonality on the Metal Levels of Warty Crab (Eriphia verrucosa) in the Black Sea

ABSTRACT The present paper examines the impacts of gender and season variables on the nutritional composition and metal levels of warty crab caught in the central Black Sea region (Ordu). Crab samples were caught over four seasons, using gillnets, trammel net, and SCUBA diving. Results of chemical analysis showed that protein, lipid, moisture, and total mineral substance level ranges of male crabs were 20.45–22.64%, 0.95–1.27%, 75.44–77.09%, and 1.63–2.08%, while these ranges in female individuals were determined as 19.45–21.46%, 0.63–0.92%, 75.44–77.44%, and 2.08–3.28%, respectively. Macro and trace element levels in crab muscle tissue were determined as K > P > Na > Ca > Mg and Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Se > Ni > Mo > Co, respectively. Cd and Pb levels in crab muscle tissue were determined to be lower than the limit values given in codices independent of the seasonal variables. However, as the levels were found to be above the limit values, metal concentrations in crabs were also evaluated based on provisional tolerable daily intake and provisional tolerable weekly intake limits.