Changes in the Microflora of Haddock Fillets and Shucked Soft-Shelled Clams After Irradiation with Co60 Gamma Rays and Storage at 0 C and 6 C

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Frequency distribution patterns of aerobic-facultative microflora, obtained by random selection of macrocolonies from samples of haddock fillets and shucked soft-shelled clams before and after treatment with doses of from 50,000 to 800,000 rad of Co60 gamma rays, are presented, with analyses and interpretation. The data showed that a decided change occurred in the constitution of the microbial populations of both products: from a mixed gram-negative—gram-positive flora to a predominantly gram-positive flora immediately after irradiation. The great majority of these surviving microorganisms were micrococci, sporeforming bacilli, and certain yeasts, molds, and actinomyces. During storage at refrigeration temperatures above freezing, the microflora changed from the descendants of the more radioresistant gram-positive species to the more prolific gram-negative psychrophilic species that flourish at these low temperatures. Micrococci and gram-positive rods declined somewhat during the rise of the actively proteolytic-lipolytic pseudomonads and related species, but still remained at high enough levels to contribute significantly to the spoilage observed at different times in storage. The eventual spoilage of haddock fillets was characterized by discoloration of the cream-white tissue with water-soluble yellow, green, and red bacterial pigments; degradation of the tissue, by proteolytic and other microbial enzymes, to a watery, flaccid mass; and formation of volatile compounds that smelled putrid, rancid, and generally foul and pungent. Shucked soft-shelled clams displayed a different spoilage pattern, changing to a variegated brown-gray and forming a matted or loose gelatinous mass from which arose stale, acrid, putrid, sulfurous odors. These differences are believed to be attributable to the varied biochemical nature of the tissues involved, the Eh potential within the tissues, the time sequence of microfloral change, and the species and types of microorganisms associated with each product. Staphylococci were present in small numbers in some of the samples tested, but did not appear to be species of public health significance. Gram-negative enteric rods were also encountered, but were considered to be of doubtful public health importance. More detailed investigations, designed to study the effects of Co60 gamma radiations on such microbes in sea foods, would be useful in assessing the problem further.

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