LAUSR

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a Quality Index Method (QIM) for ice stored Metapenaeus affinis, and estimate its shelf life of shrimp during 12 days of storage analyzing periodically microbiological (total mesophilic (TMC), psychrotrophilic (PTC), physicochemical (TVB-N, TMA, pH, TBARS and FFA), and sensory (Quality Index Method protocol) characteristics. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to correlate the QIM attributes, and linear regression analysis was used to check the variables as a function of storage time. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for interpreting physicochemical and bacteriological quality parameters. The QIM scheme was developed based on 18 demerit points, in which zero indicates total freshness. From the integration of sensory, microbiological, and physicochemical data, it was possible to estimate that the shelf life of ice stored Metapenaeus affinis is 9 days.