Studies on the use of sulfites to control shrimp melanosis (Blackspot) (Presented at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Tropical and Subtropical Fisheries Technological Conference of the Americas, January 14, 1986, Tampa, Florida)

Shrimp melanosis, commonly known as 'blackspot' is aharmless but objectionable surface dicoloration caused bypolyphenoloxidase enzyme systems which remain active duringrefrigeration or ice storage. In the early 1950's sulfitingagents, particularily sodium bisulfite was first introduced to prevent or inhibit melanosis, thus yielding a more valuable harvest (1). Such use of sulfites was 'prior sanctioned1 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1956 (2). More recent FDA decisions reaffirmed this practice, (3) but continuing regulatory scrutiny could restrict or eliminate the application of sulfite on shrimp. The regulatory action is prompted by an increasing concern for adverse 'allergic' reactions most common amongst hyper-(sulfite) sensitive asthmatics. Thus work was initiated to find alternatives to replace or reduce the amount of sulfites required to inhibitshrimp melanosis. This work would screen for possiblealternatives which would require subsequent verification with field tests and statistical evaluations. (21pp.)