Abstract Fish meats comprise an important part of diets; however, their rich nutrient composition and various sources mean these products can be spoiled quickly. The present study assessed the chemical and microbiological quality of imported chilled, frozen, and locally cultured fish in Saudi Arabian markets. Physiochemical, heavy metal, and microbial analysis were performed for 50 samples of fish from three sources. The results indicated that locally cultured fish were of better quality than imported fish. All of the locally cultured fish samples were under the limit of total volatile basic nitrogen TVB-N (30 mg/100 g) for fish, while 22.73% and 7.16% of frozen imported and chilled imported fish respectively were over TVB-N limit. Furthermore, chemical and microbial contamination in some fish samples exceeded the recommended permissible levels. We conclude that there was poor sanitation practice and unsuitable conditions during the production and handling processes of fish.

Abstract Seven major commercially important marine fisheries species, Fenneropenaeus indicus, Chaceon quinquedens, Lethrinus nebulosus, Scomberomorus commerson, Plectropomus pessuliferus, Pampus argenteus, and Epinephelus summana were seasonally sampled from Jeddah main local fisheries market, Saudi Arabia. The heavy metals, namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) were assessed. Except for arsenic, the results indicated that the levels of tested heavy elements were within the standard limits. The levels of arsenic were high in F. indicus, C. quinquedens, L. nebulosus, P. pessuliferus and E. summana. In addition, Pb showed higher mean levels of 0.89 ± 0.14 mg/kg and 5.05 ± 0.86 mg/kg in S. commerson and P. pessuliferus, respectively, compared to the permissible standard limits. Cd was not found in most samples, except for F. indicus and C. quinquedens where its detected levels exceeded the acceptable standards. Our results may prove the significant roles of seasonal impacts and species variations in the acquisition mechanisms of heavy metals in marine environments. Therefore, the application of a detection program for cumulative residual levels of heavy metals in marine fisheries products is recommended before marketing to ensure the safety of these products.

Abstract This study was to investigate the effects of combination of calcium carbonate with irradiation technique on quality characteristics, nutritional values, bioactive components, microbiological loading, and sensory evaluation of pumpkin jam during storage period for 12 months. Pumpkin jam samples were treated with calcium carbonate 1% (CCS), irradiation (2 kGy) and the combination of CCS + 2 kGy. The results indicated that the CCS + 2 kGy treatment significantly helped in retaining ascorbic acid content, which established a little decrease. CCS and CCS + 2 kGy treatments reported similar values for carotenoid contents. Whereas, CCS + 2 kGy treatment showed the highest total flavonoid content. The application of CCS + 2 kGy treatment also reduced the microbial growth for total aerobic plate, yeast and mold counts. The degree of color was higher recorded for CCS treatment, while CCS + 2 kGy treatment gained the highest scores for texture, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability at the end of the storage period. Overall the results pertained that the use of Gamma irradiation combined with calcium carbonate prolonged the shelf life of the pumpkin jam by reduced the microbial load, maintained the quality characterizes, nutritional values, bioactive components, and consumer acceptability of pumpkin jam during storage.