PhF / Ellab Inc. (phfspec@pacbell.net)
Tue, 02 Nov 1999 12:18:31 -0500
I doubt if the authors could tell you what the permeability requirements
are because in all likelihood they wouldn't know. The hazard of C.
botulinum is usually understood for modified atmosphere or vacuum packaged
fish but the manual Mr Ports refers to also stipulates C. botulinum as a
hazard in "hermetically sealed packages" which one could interpret to be a
sealed pouch. The preventive measure described by the manual in this case
is to use "oxygen permeable " packaging. In fact the residual oxygen
environment inside the pouch would be a function of the initial oxygen
content, the surface area of the package, the permeability and thickness of
the film and the oxygen demand of the aerobic microorganisms on the fish
which, hopefully, would lead to the fish to spoil safe. To, stipulate,
therefore,the use of oxygen permeable packaging is not very helpful.
Perhaps, other microbiology experts on this list could comment on the
microbial risk of C. botulinum in non vacuum or non-modified atmosphere
packaged fish in "hermetically sealed" packages which are not controlled
below 38 degrees F.
Peter Cocotas
Vice President
PhF Specialists Inc.
International Food Safety and HACCP Experts
Tel: 408 275 0161
Fax: 408 280 0979
Email: peter@phfspec.com
URL: http://www.phfspec.com
At 02:10 PM 10/31/99 +0000, howgate wrote:
>Dear Timothy
>
>I have not seen the Encore Guide, but I suggest you go back to the authors
>of it and ask them to specify the rate. I do not understand why they should
>recommend oxygen permeable packaging chilled, not cured, fish, but if they
>have a reason they should be able to specify what they mean by this term.
>What type of pack is being referred to?
>
>Peter Howgate
>
>----------
>> From: Timothy C. Ports <timports@jps.net>
>> To: 'seafood@ucdavis.edu'
>> Subject: oxygen permeable packaging
>> Date: 29 October 1999 19:54
>>
>> Can anyone offer any advice on oxygen transfer ratio required for
>packaging
>> fresh, not cured or frozen, seafood? The Encore Guide says only 'oxygen
>> permeable packaging'.
>>
>
>
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