Quality Index Method (QIM): A Standard for Objective Fish Freshness Assessment

What Is the Quality Index Method (QIM)?

The Quality Index Method (QIM) is a scientific and objective system used to determine the freshness of fish. It is designed to maintain high quality standards at every stage of the fisheries and seafood supply chain, from harvest to final sale. Over time, QIM has become a widely accepted reference method for evaluating the quality of fresh fish across Europe.

The method responds to the growing need for reliable and comparable freshness data in a market where fish is increasingly traded without direct visual inspection. By offering a standardized sensory evaluation approach, QIM helps ensure transparency, consistency, and confidence for all stakeholders involved in fish production and distribution.