FW: Vacuum packing

From: Michel Blanc (MichelBl@spc.int)
Date: Sun Dec 02 2001 - 13:34:44 PST

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    Hi List,

    would anyone know why this is happening and how to solve the problem?

    Thanks for copying responses to me and/or to Bill holden from Alatini
    Fisheries in Tonga (deep-water snapper/tuna fishing and marketing company).

    Thanks in advance.

    Michel Blanc
    Fisheries Training Adviser
    Secretariat of the Pacific Community
     
    > -----Original Message-----
    > From: Bill Holden [mailto:bill@alatini.to]
    > Sent: vendredi 30 novembre 2001 17:13
    > To: Michel Blanc
    > Subject: Vacuum packing
    >
    > Michel,
    >
    > Thanks. I will describe our procedures and what is happening and
    > hopefully you can provide more than an explanation, like suggestions on
    > how to improve!
    >
    > Our snapper fillet and tuna loin process is the same:
    > * fillets and loins are taken off fresh fish and put into a tub with
    > ice.
    > * this goes to the area where we vacuum pack and they are put into
    > plastic bags, put into the machine and vacuumed.
    > * these are then put into a blast freezer to be frozen as that is how
    > we sell them locally
    >
    > Problems:
    > * the snapper fillets when removed from the vacuum machine. An off
    > white yellowish/brown fluid is trapped in the bag with the fillet.
    > Remember these are fresh fillets going in.
    > * When our customers have been bringing the fillets back, they have
    > the same complaint. Upon opening the bag the fish smells 'off' or 'old'.
    > Also the fillets have a slimy feel on the surface. If the fish is rinsed
    > the smell and slime feel go away, but you know how first impressions are!
    > * with the tuna loins. I did not see them immediately after vacuuming
    > but a few days later the loin (yellowfin) was most definately BROWN!
    >
    > We did a test by vacuuming a fillet and wrapping a fillet on a tray in
    > plastic wrap (the method we've used for a decade. The fillets were from
    > the same fish. I put both in the chiller for three days. The vacuum
    > fillet came out as I described above, our normal packaged fillet came out
    > smelling like the ocean.
    >
    > What are we doing wrong!?!?!
    >
    > I would appreciate any assistance you can offer us.
    >
    > Best regards,
    > Bill
    >
    > Bill Holden
    >
    > 'Alatini Fisheries Co Ltd
    > Private Bag 49
    > Nuku'alofa, Tonga
    > Tel: (676)24 759
    > Fax: (676)23 759
    >
    > Email: bill@alatini.to
    >
    >



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