In this study, the contamination levels of total aerobic bacteria, E. coli, total coliform and S. aureus of seasoned dried fishes (SDF) in Korea were investigated. A total of 81 SDF samples were purchased randomly from 28 stores. Contamination range of total aerobic bacteria, total coliform and S. aureus were 150~1,700,000, 10~31,000and 10~220 CFU/g, respectively. E. coli was detected in only one samples in the qualitative test. We have analyzed quantitatively Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE-type A, C and D) produced by S. aureus contaminated in SDF using a TECRA kit and standard curve. The curve equation was Y = 0.1499 * X + 0.1183 and maximum amount of SEs in SDF was 0.71 ng/ml. Reduction speed of S. aureus in SDF stored at 37 ℃ was the highest among the samples stored for 8 days at different temperature of 7, 18 and 37℃ . On the basis of the results, SDF in Korea can be contaminated by a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, precautionary measures are necessary for consumer protection, including the improvement of sanitary conditions in the processing plants in Korea.

A survey of food preservatives, sulfur dioxide and microbial contamination levels was conducted on 73 seasoned dried fishes(41 squids, 17 filleted fish, 6 Alaska pollack, 9 others) collected from domestic markets and internet. Among preservatives, only sorbic acid was detected in 25 samples including 23 seasoned dried squids, 1 seasoned filleted fish and 1 seasoned dried Alaska pollack with a range 0.01~0.92 g/kg. Sulfur dioxide was detected from one sample(seasoned dried squid) and its content was 10.5 mg/kg. All samples were contaminated by total aerobic bacteria, and the degree was 3.00~6.45 log10CFU/g(average level was 5.09 log10CFU/g). Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected in all samples. On the basis of the results above, most of the seasoned dried fishes were appropriate for Korea food standard, yet biological hygiene control will be needed constantly.