The Improvement of Fish Handling Method at Fish Landing and Auction for the Better Fish Quality and Safety
D Dwiyitno, S Wibowo, and L Assadad

Research Center for Marine and Fisheries Product Processing and Biotechnology
Jl. KS Tubun Petamburan VI, Jakarta 10260 Indonesia

Abstract

Improper facilities and handling methods at the fish landing and auction may contribute to reducing fishery product quality and safety due to environmental contaminants. A study on the improvement of fish handling and auction method has been conducted at Blanakan fish landing and fish auction in Subang, West Java. The improved method included a cold chain system and hygiene practices, which were compared to the conventional method. In order to evaluate the introduced method, a number of parameters on fish samples were observed, i.e. physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties based on the load tracking method. The result showed that the application of flake ice (1:1) on the plastic basket during auction produced the better fish quality (black pomfret/Formio niger and bigeye/Priacanthus sp) in comparison to the conventional method (without icing and in a bamboo basket). The total plate count (TPC) of fish from the improved method was 6.0x104 and 6.9x104 cfu/g, lower than that of the conventional method (3.0x105 and 5.1x105 cfu/g). Similarly, the total volatile base (TVB) of improved fish was 5,63-7,00 mg%N, much lower than that of the conventional method (12,20-18,70 mg%). Further sensory analysis showed a similar trend that improved method produced better fish sensory, especially on flesh texture, gill appearance, odor, and slimness. However, there was no significant difference in the pH value of fish between the improved and conventional methods.

Keywords: fish handling- load tracking- fish landing- fish quality- cold chain system

Topic: Post-harvest Technology