Off-Flavors in Aquacultured Fish: Origins and Implications for Consumers

Author(s)

Moretto, Jessica A. ; Freitas, Paloma N. N. ; Souza, Juliana P. ; Oliveira, Thalita M. ; Brites, Isabella ; Pinto, Ernani

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FISHES; v. 7, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2022-02-01.

Abstract

Off-flavors in fish and water are considered a worldwide problem. Several factors, such as the presence of phosphorus, micronutrients, and organic matter, contribute to phytoplankton proliferation and the production of off-flavors. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol are the most common off-flavors that confer the smell of earth or mold to water and fish. These metabolites are not considered toxic, but they can be easily transferred from water to living organisms and accumulate in the biota, up the trophic levels and to consumers, including fish species. Numerous processes have been studied to eliminate or reduce the presence of off-flavors in recirculating aquaculture systems. Managing off-flavors must be eco-friendly and consumer-friendly. Strategies against off-flavors must be efficient and low-cost. However, these solutions may be different for each fish production system. We review herein the main compounds produced by cyanobacteria that can accumulate in fish used in aquaculture that can affect the quality of food, as well as production costs and consumer preference. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00149-0 - Treatment and selective fractionation of cyanobacteria in blooms for the production of value-added supplies
• Grantee: Ernani Pinto Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/05969-0 - Prospecting of volatile organic compounds produced by cyanobacteria and their effects on self-regulation of physiological Microcystis sp.
• Grantee: Simone Vieira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 11/51950-3 - Prospecting volatile compounds produced by Brazilian cyanobacteria with allelopathic effects
• Grantee: Ernani Pinto Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE