Survival of Salmonella Weltevreden and S. Senftenberg in black tiger shrimp under frozen storage]

Survival of Salmonella in black tiger shrimps during frozen storage was investigated following our previous study on Salmonella contamination in frozen shrimps imported into Japan. Salmonella (S.) Weltevreden and S. Senftenberg were inoculated onto the surface and inside of black tiger shrimps without the shell. After storage at -10 degrees C, -20 degrees C and -30 degrees C for 12 weeks, the Salmonella population decreased in all cases; the decrease was smallest at the lowest temperature. Viability of Salmonella inoculated onto the surface of the shrimp was greater than that inside the shrimp. In addition, viability of S. Senftenberg was greater than that of S. Weltevreden. These results suggest that hygienic handling during thawing of shrimps is important from the viewpoint of Salmonella contamination.