Field evaluation of the application of time temperature integrators for monitoring fish quality in the chill chain.

The applicability of time temperature integrators (TTI) as effective tools of chill chain monitoring was assessed. Validated kinetic models of pseudomonads growth of Mediterranean, marine-cultured chilled gilt-head seabream (Sparus aurata) and full knowledge of the response of suitable enzymatic TTI are the basis of the TTI application algorithm. This scheme was evaluated through a controlled field test of exported fish, from harvest to final consumption. Response of TTI attached on different locations of packages was compared to actual temperature recording. Data that could not be obtained during the actual field test, such as microbiological or sensory tests of fish at intermediate points of the chain, were measured in a replicate laboratory study, simulating the handling of products and the real time-temperature profiles of the field test. The conducted field tests showed the applicability and usefulness of TTI monitoring of the fish chill chain, elucidating also the practical difficulties and limitations, that need to be addressed for expanding TTI use as a reliable management tool.