Sensory properties of thio‐ and alkyl‐ phenols causing flavor tainting in fish from the upper Wisconsin River

Abstract

A mixture of 10 ppb thiophenol, 1 ppb 3‐isopropylphenol, 1 ppb 2,4‐diisopropylphenol and 1 ppb carvacrol had nearly the same flavor quality as environmentally tainted northern pike when added to the flesh of untainted northern pike. Trout exposed to a mixture of alkylphenols and thiophenol (1–2 ppb each) in water did not become flavor tainted, but trout fed a formulated feed (2% body weight/day) containing 100 ppb added alkylphenols and thiophenol became strongly flavor tainted. Results suggest tainting via the food chain is important with these compounds. Tainting caused by thiophenol and isopropylphenols in tank‐held trout was removed by holding the fish in clean water for 5 days.

Key words:

• Rainbow trout
• Sensory analysis Alkylphenols
• Thiophenol
• Off‐flavors

Notes

Current address: Radian Corporation, Box 13000, Research Triangle Park. N.C. 27709

Contribution No. 206 of the Environmental Toxicology Center.