Abstract:
Abstract: The present research work was carried out to evaluate the status
of commercially prepared salted and sun dried fish, Scomberoides
commersonianus from the most popular dried fish preparation site Velanai in
Jaffna district from January 2011 to June 2011. Salting and sun drying is a
simple, ancient and traditional method to preserve fish in Sri Lanka. By the
traditional method fish are dried on the ground or coconut leaves at the
sandy shore where direct contact to insects and dirt is possible. The quality
of salted and sun dried fish can be affected by microorganisms. Giving
importance to consumer’s health, the hygienic condition of dried fish was
tested by two different methods, organoleptic and microbiological analysis.
Organoleptic assessment was done by a panel consisting of 10 people using
score method. Microbial qualities of dried fish were determined by using
total bacteria count, total coliform count and methylene blue reduction test.
Sodium chloride content of the samples was also determined. The mean
scores obtained for organoleptic assessment which emphasizes colour, flavor,
texture and odour, showed that all the characteristics of the products were
fairly liked. The results indicated that the mean total bacterial count in that
preparation site was (32.43±0.1013)×108
cells.g-1, the average number of total
coliforms was 19±11 cells.g
-1 and the average time taken to methylene blue
reduction test was 7 hrs 41 min. Mean sodium chloride content was found to
be 29.2±0.2%. From the present study it can be concluded that the
commercially prepared dry fish samples in Velanai, Jaffna are not suitable for
human consumption based on the organoleptic and microbial quality.
Therefore it is essential to improve the traditional dry fish preparation
techniques especially by utilizing clean utensils and water, drying the fish in
ventilated wooden racks or in the solar drying systems with even hot air flow
and paying more attention to the hygienic condition of people who are
involved in the preparation of dried fish.
