Abstract:
Sun drying is an old practice of preserving fish that are not immediately consumed or sold within the right time. Determining the microbiological quality of dried fish is very important because this method is more vulnerable to get microbial contamination as it is done in the open environment. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the microbiological and chemical parameters of dried fish to reveal their suitability based on the Sri Lankan standards, aiming at giving some insight into the quality controllers and policy makers relevant to the industry. Seven dried fish types namely; Catfish (Clarias batrachus), Tuna (Thunnus thynnus), Anchovy (Stolephorus commersonii), Bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus), Ponyfish (Leognathus sp), Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger sp), Goldstripe sardinella (Sardinella gibbosa) were collected from different shops in a town market and their microbial parameters and chemical parameters were analyzed. Results revealed that Clarias batrachus, Leognathus sp, Thunnus sp, Selar crumenophthalmus and Sardinella gibbosa contained acceptable aerobic plate counts of less than 100X103 CFU/g while Rastrelliger sp exceeded the acceptable limit (105X103 CFU/g). The yeast and mould counts were in the acceptable range in all tested fish types. Thunnus sp showed zero results for the presence of S. aureus while the Rastrelliger sp contained the highest number of S. aureus count. Total coliforms and fecal coliforms were absent in all seven dried fish types. All samples contained acceptable salt and moisture contents. Out of seven samples, Thunnus sp was the only sample that was safe microbiologically for consumption. Hence, it could be noted that monitoring actions need to be undertaken to control the quality of dried fish by relevant authorities to assure the health-safety of dried fish.
