Effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract on the protection of the fishballs from knife fish (Chitala chitala) and striped catfish by-product (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) against spoilage during frozen storage

The study aimed to investigate the effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract on the quality changes of fishballs from knife fish (Chitala chitala) and striped catfish byproduct (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) during frozen storage. Fishballs were supplemented with rosemary extracts at two concentrations of 13 mg/kg and 156 mg/kg. The control treatment was the sample without extract. The products were steamed, vacuum packed in PA bags and stored at a temperature from -18oC to -20oC. Sampling was done at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of storage period for analysis of pH, Total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), total viable bacteria count (TVC), pathogenic bacteria, sensory properties, peroxide value (PV), Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs). Results showed that Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were absent in the fishballs, reflecting the safety of products for consumers. Adding rosemary extract at 156 mg/kg in fishballs displayed more effectiveness in inhibiting the formation of lipid oxidation and microbial growth when compared to the control sample during the frozen storage. Based on the results of physicochemical and sensory quality, the supplementation of rosemary extracts showed a significant promise for improving the quality of fishballs. Fishballs from knife fish and striped catfish by-products could be maintained their sensory properties and prolonged their shelf-life up to 180 days of frozen storage.