The effect of inhibitors and high pressure treatment to prevent melanosis and microbial growth on chilled prawns (Penaeus japonicus)

Ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium benzoate, kojic acid, and 4-hexylresorci nol were evaluated alone and in combination as inhibitors of melanosis and microbial spoilage in prawns (Penaeus japonicus) under non-pressure and hig h-pressure conditions. Sodium benzoate and kojic acid was an effective comb ination for the inhibition of prawn melanosis. Alone and in combination wit h ascorbic or citric acid, 4-hexylresorcinol proved the most effective as i nhibitors of melanosis and microbial spoilage in prawns. High-pressure trea tment appeared to increase the melanosis process, but it did not alter the effect performed by inhibitors. Lower total count of microorganisms seemed to be obtained with the presence of ascorbic and citric acids under high-pr essure treatment.