Quality problems in fish processing

Various problems associated with the quality of the fishery products like spoilage, discolouration, microbiological problems, etc., are outlined. The reasons and remedial measures are discussed. The importance of proper handling, processing and hygiene is stressed.

Recent advances in fish processing and product development

There are good possibilities for expanding the consumer sector in both the traditional and nontraditional marine products. Frozen shrimp continues to be the item of highest demand in foreign markets. Individual quick frozen (IQF) prawns which are indeed value added products and have already penetrated international markets elicit export incentive from development agencies like the Marine Products Export Development Authority. With the projected potential of 1.8 lakh tonnes of cephalopods against the current yield of 13,000 tonnes, there are good prospects of increasing exports of frozen squid and cuttlefish. The technology of packing fish in retortable pouches as an alternative to canning has now been perfected. Salted fish mince has good market potential in India and abroad.

Some common defects in prawn processing: their sources and remedies

The processing of prawns has assumed very great importance in India because processed prawn products have become one of the most important foreign exchange earners in the country.

Investigation on sanitational aspects (microbiological) of prawn processing factories

Absence of regular cleaning has been found to result in heavy bacterial loads on the surfaces of utensils and other equipment used in prawn processing factories and peeling centers. Instance of high faecal contamination is also sometimes met with. Detailed investigations have shown that a cleaning schedule comprising of treatment of these surface with a detergent followed by application of an effective disinfectant like sodium hypochlorite would prevent such bacterial build up.

The future of shrimp processing industry in India

The future of the shrimp industry in India depends entirely on our export markets. Therefore the future of the industry must be related to the demand for shrimps in foreign markets. The most important market today for India is the United States. In the United States the domestic production of shrimps which was about 112 million pounds in 1950 has increased only slightly to 139.6 million pounds in 1965. However the consumption during the same period increased from 119.5 million pounds to 274.2 million pounds - the gap between home production and consumption is made up by imports.