Effects of iota carrageenan, carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan gum on the stability of formulated minced fish products

Summary Iota carrageenan, carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan were used as additives (5 g/kg) in the manufacture of different types of minced fish products (fish chips and fish sticks). Samples of these products were stored at — 18°C and were evaluated at regular intervals for weight loss, fat uptake, physical properties, formation of dimethylamine and formaldehyde and sensory properties. All additions had a significant cryoprotective effect on weight loss and texture during frozen storage. Sensory attributes correlated well with the instrumental measurements of texture and weight loss. After 8 months of frozen storage, the fish chips with carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan were significantly preferred to the controls. After 14 weeks of frozen storage, the fish sticks with iota carrageenan were not significantly preferred to the control. Xanthan was not a suitable additive for this type of product. Iota carrageenan, and to some extent carboxymethyl cellulose, decreased fat uptake during frying.