Novel practice to produce safe and healthy dry fish using irradiated chitosan coating

In Bangladesh, dry fishes are mostly produced by drying in an open environment under sunlight, and so the producers are forced to use insecticides and fungicides to prevent microbial and blowfly infestation. That is why dry fishes are often contaminated with residual insecticides and fungicides, which cause a severe threat to human health. In this experiment, gamma radiation treated chitosan solution was used while drying the fishes, and the effect was evaluated. Experimental results suggested that chitosan coating did not hinder the drying process but improved the quality of the produces. Chitosan coating was found as a repellant of blowflies as well. Besides, it also prevented microbial contamination. The nutritional value of the produced dry fishes was examined and found very satisfactory. Overall results suggested that the application of irradiated chitosan can be a very suitable and cost-effective way to produce safe and healthy dry fishes.