Comparative Study on the Organoleptic Properties of Bali Sardinella (Sardinella lemuru) Sold in the Fish Markets of Gingoog City

The quality and safety of fishery products have become a significant concern worldwide to consumers, producers, food industries, and regulatory agencies. Organoleptic Evaluation is an assessment method used to determine standards in quality control. In Gingoog City, there have been reports of spoiled fish displayed in markets as per the discussion during the Sangguniang Panlunsod. Hence, the study aims to evaluate and compare the Organoleptic properties of Bali Sardinella (Sardinella lemuru) sold at different markets in Gingoog City. This study used a single-blind research design. The study collected five (5) fish replicates in three consecutive weeks for each market and assessed them using the Quality Index Method with thirty experienced panelists in this field. The findings indicate that the fish from Gingoog City Public Market exhibited lower quality in freshness, with higher demerit scores in terms of general appearance, eyes, cover, gills, and abdomen. Conversely, the fish from Pandan Fish Market showed greater levels of freshness in terms of the above except flesh. These findings can be attributed to longer transport time and need for proper cold storage facilities. Thus, the study suggests the Local Government Unit of Gingoog City to implement the construction of cold storage to preserve fish properly