Possible Defects On Shrimps
1. DEFECTS
Objective assessment of shrimp quality depends on
measuring defects in the shrimp and then assessing the
quality of the shrimp from the numbers and types of
defects. This principle is used in virtually all
countries for quality grading. Defects listed in Codex
Standard, United States and Japanese guidelines are all
quite similar the major items are shown and compared in
Below Table.1 . Table.1 DEFECTS
EXAMINED FOR QUALITY GRADING
|
Defect
|
Codex
|
U.S.A.
|
Japan
|
|
Dehydration,
desiccation
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Uniformity
of weight
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Deterioration
(odor)
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Discoloration,
black spot
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Improperly
cleaned or split
end
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Pieces
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Damaged
and broken
shrimp
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Legs,
shell, other extraneous material
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Improperly
peeled
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Improperly
divined
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Texture
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Headless
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Poor
protective glazing
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
2. DECOMPOSITION
Smelling and tasting shrimp is the best way to detect
decomposition. Trained testers easily recognize
off-odors and off-flavors. Advanced decomposition is
easily recognized by almost everybody. Many shrimp
species, especially brown tropical shrimp, have
detectable amounts of iodine. Odor or flavor of iodine
is not a symptom of decomposition, unless excessive.
Some visual indicators may help:
Black spot develops faster on rotting or badly handled
shrimp than it does on fresh, carefully stored shrimp.
3. DEHYDRATION
Frozen shrimp that is not properly glazed and packed can
suffer from moisture loss during frozen storage. This
detracts from the quality and marketability of the
product severe dehydration is called des-sication or
freezer burn. Freezer burn can be recognized by the
whitish or yellowish, cottony appearance of the flesh.
Proper glazing (see that entry) and consistent and
proper storage temper-attire help to avoid the risk of
dehydration and freezer burn.
4. DETENTION
Product that is offered for import but is not acceptable
to local authorities may be detained, prior to either
refurbishing (making the product conform to required
standards) or outright rejection. Some jurisdictions
automatically detain product until importers present
laboratory tests proving that it is acceptable. Others
detain on a random basis.
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