Toxin development by Clostridium botulinum in modified atmosphere-packaged fresh tilapia fillets during storage

Potential for toxin development by Clostridium botulinum type E was investigated in retail-type packages of fresh tilapia fillets packaged in high barrier film under selected atmospheres [100% air, a modified atmosphere (MA) containing 75%CO2:25%N2, and vacuum] and stored under refrigeration (4 degrees C) and abuse temperatures (8 and 16 degrees C). Toxin development coincided with sensory spoilage at 16 degrees C storage for fillets packaged in either MA, or vacuum. At 8 degrees C, toxin development in fillets packaged in either of the atmospheres occurred 7-23 days after sensory spoilage. At 4 degrees C, none of MA-packaged fillets became toxic until 10 days after onset of sensory spoilage. Toxin development did not precede sensory spoilage in any treatments or temperatures studied.