Aims: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the possible use of the psycrhotrophic, acid producing, and non-pathogenic microflora of the target chilled food (e.g. imitation crab sticks, ICSs) as time-temperature integrator-based materials for a quality indicator of the food. Methods and Results: Three strains out of four hundred and twelve psychrotrophic LAB colonies isolated from the ICSs were selected and identified as the genus Weissella (16S rDNA gene sequences), Gram-positive, catalase-negative, acid producing, and not hemolytic. Three prototype TTIs were correspondingly developed. A modified imitation crab medium was used as the bacterial nutrient source. The color change of a particular TTI in response to the experimental static and dynamic temperature conditions well represented the microbial growth and spoilage points of the Pseudomonas spp. and LAB which were justified as the spoilage microorganisms of thirty-three commercial ICSs. Conclusions: The psychrotrophic LAB based TTI is likely to be an effective tool for monitoring ICSs shelf life during storage and distribution. Significance and Impact of the Study: This finding suggests that the indigenous microflora of target food can be considered as potential materials for customizing a new TTI particularly for the target food. The food analog is potentially used as the microbial medium.

• Seung Won Jung(Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University Center for Intellignet Agro-Food Packaging (CIFP)) Corresponding author