Abstract:
Assessment of quality of fish and shrimps landed at the Fish Harbour, Cochin was
made over the period January, 1980 to December, 1982 . A total of 201 samples were
analysed . Nearly 75% of the samples scored between 6-10 in a 10 point hedonic scale
and the percentage unacceptability based on sensory assessment was 5.5% . In 10 .1
of the samples, total volatile nitrogen was >30 mg% and in 8 .3% of the samples trimethylamine-
nitrogen was > 10 mg% . Both, the gr Torrymeter and Intellectron Fish
Tester VI readings marked significant correlation with sensory scores and chemical
indices; but failed to bear any significant correlation with bacterial counts . Of the
total samples 66.7% had total plate count (TPC) >10 5 9 l and 8.5% were considered
unacceptable based on TPC >5 x 10 5g- 1 ; 63.2% of the samples were free from
Escherichia coli ; 26.4% had >20 E. coil g -1 and 20 .4% of the samples contained faecal
streptococci >103 g-1 . Seven percent of the samples showed coagulase positive
staphylococci >100g - 1 . Salmonella could not be detected in any of the samples
examined. Crushed ice samples and the platform of the harbour had high bacterial
loads .
