Prawnfresh is a non-residual product that controls the onset of melanosis in wild-caught and farmed prawns (Photo Credit: Xyrex)

Fresher, Longer Lasting Prawns

Langoustine fishermen and processors in Denmark are experiencing significant benefits by using Xyrex Prawnfresh Plus as an effective and safe treatment to prevent the onset of melanosis (blackspot) in harvested prawns (Nephrops norvegicus).

Sodium metabisulphite has traditionally been used in Denmark (and other parts of the world) as a treatment for melanosis, but there are concerns over its use, given that it can corrode expensive processing equipment and can be unpleasant for fishermen and processors to work with. There is well-documented evidence that sulphite based treatments are hazardous to the health of processing workers because the sulphur dioxide fumes released during treatment can harm operators’ airways and lungs.

The melanotic blackening of harvested prawns is a harmless and natural condition, but it does affect the appearance of the shellfish, which in turn can make marketing difficult and increases the reject rate

Donald Kristensen, managing director of seafood processor Royal Fish Denmark A/S, says he has noticed a big improvement in the welfare of his processing employees after switching from sodium metabisulphite to Prawnfresh Plus. In addition, Prawnfresh Plus is more effective at preventing melanosis than metabisulphite.

He says: “In our subsidiary company Arne Jørgensen & Søn in Strandby we treat more than 150 tonnes of langoustine every year. About two and half years ago we started utilising Prawnfresh Plus in our production process and right from the beginning we experienced a big difference compared to the bisulphite we had used before. The langoustines had a greatly enhanced appearance and kept their natural colour for much longer. They stayed firmer for longer too.”

At the moment Prawnfresh Plus is used for treating langoustine catches from Skagen in the southern part of Jutland and across the country in Grenå, Bønnerup and in Gilleleje on Zealand

Among the many fishing boats now using Prawnfresh Plus are the Lis Nordahl (H151), Fru Hansen (H14) and Christina Mortensen (H29), all based in Gilleleje, Denmark. They have been using Prawnfresh to treat their catches since June 2011 and all three skippers state that the treatment results in excellent looking langoustines that are clean and glossy, and which hold their natural colour well.

The skippers say they are very satisfied with Prawnfresh Plus because it is more pleasant to work with compared with metabisulphite and doesn’t irritate the nose and eyes of the fishing crew. It is also gentler on the production equipment with much less corrosion experienced. In addition, it is easy to use and dose because it is a liquid treatment that doesn’t take up much storage space, which is very important in the limited confines of a fishing vessel.

“All these places are where the best langoustines in Denmark are being caught,” states Donald Kristensen. “This provides us with a leading position when it comes to the export of langoustine and fresh fish to the rest of Europe.”

About Xyrex Ltd

As part of the EFH group of companies, Xyrex Ltd manufactures a range of leading edge products for the fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture industries.

Xyrex's product range is specially designed to slow down bacterial spoilage in finfish and melanotic blackening in crustaceans, ensuring seafood that is fresher and has a longer shelf life.

Fully approved by a number of leading regulatory authorities, Xyrex's products can significantly increase the value of harvested fish and shellfish

Source: Xyrex Ltd.

Margaret E.L. Stacey
Editor Companies and Products
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

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Country:	United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 (0) 870 402 0660
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