Sensory and biochemical aspects of quality of whole bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) during bulk storage in controlled atmospheres

Abstract The quality of whole ungutted bigeye tuna ( Thunnus obesus ) during bulk storage in controlled atmospheres containing either of two gas mixes (60%CO 2 /15%O 2 /25%N 2 and 40%CO 2 /40%O 2 /20%N 2 ) was evaluated by biochemical and sensory changes. At day 33 of storage, none of the lots were rejected on the basis of the target biochemical indices (pH, trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and histamine) or the tasting panel scores. However, the control and the controlled atmosphere-stored lots were rejected upon inspection at 13 and 22 days, respectively. Scores for the various target biochemical parameters were highest ( p 2 concentration. There were changes ( p