Leading Irish shellfish company switches to Prawnfresh Plus to ensure top quality prawns

One of Ireland's largest prawn processors, Rockabill Shellfish Ltd, has recently switched to Prawnfresh Plus as an effective and safe treatment to ensure the production of top quality prawns, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Catch PR Ltd.

Prawnfresh Plus is being used by a growing number of UK and Irish shellfish processors and fishing boats to prevent the onset of melanosis or blackspot in harvested prawns. Although melanotic blackening is harmless, it does affect the appearance of the prawns, which in turn can make marketing difficult.

Rockabill Shellfish had previously been using ShrimpTreat, but because this product is no longer available, the company decided to try Prawnfresh Plus as an alternative. According to Alan Price, fish and shellfish buyer for Rockabill Shellfish, the results have been excellent.

"We are really pleased with the performance of Prawnfresh Plus, which gives better results than other treatments we have previously used," he says. "It enables the prawns to hold their natural colour for longer. Our processing operatives and fishing crews also like the product because it is safe to use compared with old and traditional treatments such as sodium metabisulphite."

All the boats that land into Rockabill Shellfish are now using Prawnfresh Plus, along with its processing and handling facilities in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, and Skibbereen, Co. Cork. The bulk of its fresh and frozen prawns are exported to discerning markets in Italy, Spain, France, UK and China.

John Davis, the managing director of Xyrex Ltd, the manufacturer of Prawnfresh Plus, said: "We are delighted that such a prestigious company as Rockabill Shellfish is now using Prawnfresh Plus.

"Prawnfresh Plus is a liquid solution designed to increase shelf life, whilst retaining the natural taste and appearance of prawns, thus eliminating the use of sodium metabisulphite. Skippers and processors also recognise that the health of their crew and workers is paramount and this is reflected in the growing number of companies and fishing boats now using this highly effective treatment."

Prawnfresh Plus is distributed in Ireland by Swan Net-Gundry. For more information, tel: +353(0)749731180 or email www.xyrex.com/contact-us/

In Scotland, Prawnfresh Plus is available through distributor, I & K Supplies in Fraserburgh, tel: +44(0)1346 510424.