Quality management of dry fish with reference to visakhapatnam fishing harbor: Andhra Pradesh, India

The conventional method employed in salt drying of fishes that are intended for humanconsumption are facing serious health hazards due to improper and unscientific methods. In this backdrop, an investigation has been carried out on the hygiene of fish drying being practiced at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbor between March 2019 and February 2020. Presence of insect larval forms on the drying fish and intervention of stray animals into the fish drying areas has been observed which is a challenge to maintain quality of the product produced and an alarming situation that warrants the need of incorporating hygienic and scientific ways of salt drying. Implementation of enough solar dryers or providing fish drying yards of conditioned atmosphere at the study area is recommended. Further research will find the quality improvement practices of drying seafood to overcome health hazards apart from providing employment generation and enhancing foreign exchange.