The results of the pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N)
are reported in Table 1. Lots inoculated with bio-protective cultures
showed a lower starting pH if compared to lot 1 and demonstrated
a constant decrease of the pH during the whole period.
Considering the TVB-N, in lot 1 significantly higher increase
over time was observed, overcoming the limit of 30 mg nitrogen/
100 g, suggested for fishery products by Commission Decision 95/
149/EC from 8 March 1995, from T9. Lots 2, 3, and 4 never overcame
this limit up to 12 days of storage. It is plausible that competition
caused by the bio-protective starters slowed and/or inhibited the
spoilage and consequently reduced the production of TVB-N.