2007 Volume 53 Issue 4 Pages 397-400
Since no definitive standard exists for setting the expiration date of edible raw sea urchins, it is up to the importer or domestic processing manufacturer to assign an expiration date. In the present study, we performed a microbiological examination of 126 raw sea urchin samples collected from distributors at Tsukiji Market (Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market) and evaluated their expiration dates. The expiration dates were set at 5 to 8 days after processing in approximately 80% of the products; however, microbiological examination of the samples indicated that the dates were not sufficiently accurate. Of the products, 27% did not meet the microbiological standards for freshness established by the Tokyo metropolitan government during the period preceding their expiration dates. Our results suggest that the expiration date of edible fresh raw sea urchins should be based on a microbiological examination.
