Carbonyl Emissions during Food Decay from Kimchi, Fish, and Salted Fish

In this study, the emissions of carbonyl compounds as offensive odorants were measured using three food types (Kimchi, fresh fish, and salted fish) as a function of time. Odor samples for each food type, collected at 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Only three kinds of carbonyl compounds were quantified above their respective detection limits: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone. The emission patterns of these compounds were distinguishable from each other. Formaldehyde tends to peak at the beginning and decrease through time with unique patterns. Conversely, acetaldehyde and acetone seem to increase gradually through time. The results showed that relative patterns of carbonyl emissions were more distinguishable by compound type rather than food type.