Jan, I hope you get a direct response from a vendor of cleaning chemicals
near you. If not, try to find one in your area. I don't think a general
response will help you much. One needs to know the specifics of the
container construction - but I would presume that at some point the
refrigeration failed (if it was a frozen shipment) and that leakage of
juices has seeped into cracks in the walls and floor. The odor will not be
absorbed by the refrigerator system but it will be hard to remove from the
evaporator coils, etc.
An acid cleaner will help neutralize the ammonia-like odors but will
probably not be able to penetrate into the construction materials if they
are wood. Do not try vinegar in the "English Fish and Chip Tradition"
without first getting some on site professional advice. Cleaning a container
van will not be as simple as washing out a plastic ice chest with vinegar
and water.
Please be aware that highly spoiled fish will emit H2S (hydrogen sulfide)
gases which can be lethal. There are occasional reports of people dying
after entering the holds of boats containing rotting fish. Adequate
breathing apparatus is necessary unless the vapors can be cleared prior to
entry.
You didn't say if the fish is still in the container and if so is it frozen?
If it is not frozen you will need to move it to a landfill or such place to
dump it. Right away. And don't let anyone enter it without breathing
apparatus.
Ken H
-----Original Message-----
From: Jan Visagie [mailto:jvisagie@iafrica.com.na]
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2000 9:28 AM
To: ken.hilderbrand@hmsc.orst.edu; Seafood group
Subject: Re: Ammonia in fish
To : Seafood listserve
Re : Ammonia odours in fish. (Odour damage?)
I would greatly appreciate some of your knowledge on the following:
Will fish (H&G Shark and Swordfish mixed) that has a very, very, strong
ammonia (no breathing possible) odour leave permanent odour damage to a
refrigerated container if loaded? Or can the odour be removed through the
use of certain chemicals? Can the odour be absorbed by the refrigerator
system?
The fish is loose without packaging and is in direct contact with the
container's interior panels. The fish is in a terrible condition with
serious discolouring to meat. I am still awaiting analysis results but
expect shocking results on ammonia & TMA levels.
Thankfully,
Jan Visagie
Cargo Surveyor
Walvis Bay
Namibia
Tel +264 64 209482
Fax +264 64 209481
jvisagie@iafrica.com.na
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