Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Safety Assessment of Dried Blue Crab (Callinecies sapidus): Ensuring Safety and Traceability in the Blue Crab Valorization Chain

Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive species that is rapidly spreading in new habitats such as the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, causing serious ecological and economic problems. In this study, the microbiological and physical-chemical safety of drying invasive blue crab biomass for food/feed purposes was investigated. The W15 drying technology was used to prepare blue crab samples from Scardovari Lagoon in Italy in order to produce a uniform and stable end product. The product undergone extensive analysis: The absence of the primary pathogens, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus enterotoxins, and Clostridium that produces botulinum toxin, was verified by microbiological testing. According to heavy metal assessments, the product consists of around 2.41 mg/kg of lead (along with 0.28 mg/kg of cadmium and 0.079 mg/kg of mercury); these levels, compared to some legal limitations, indicate that lead levels in particular need to be regularly checked. Based on microplastic tests, there was a small amount microplastic in the product, and there is a low risk to human health at this level. The nutritional profile analysis showed that the dried blue crab product has a high protein content (34.3%) and ash content (41.1%), but a low moisture content (6.44%) and fat content (3.93%). While the high protein level indicates that the product can be used as an alternative protein source, such as pet food or aquaculture feed, the high ash content indicates that minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from the crab's skeleton and tissues are concentrated in the product. Furthermore, it has been observed that the product is high in a number of minerals, such as calcium, and B vitamins, including pantothenic acid (B5), B1, niacin (B3), and B12. According to the study, the invasive blue crab may be dried and converted into a wholesome product, making it a viable source for the food and feed industries. However, regular control and strict monitoring of heavy metal contents are recommended in order to ensure the safety and traceability of the product. With this approach, the invasive blue crab can be transformed from an environmental problem into a value-added resource within the scope of the circular economy. To ensure the safety and traceability of the product, it is suggested that heavy metal contents be strictly monitored and controlled on a regular basis. In the context of the circular economy, this strategy can turn the invasive blue crab from an environmental issue into a resource with added value.