Biogenic Amine and Polyamine Contents in Meat and Meat Products

Biogenic amines and polyamines in meat and meat products were determined by HPLC. Spermine and spermidine were the only amines always detected in meat and meat products, ranging from 6.4 to 62.1 mg/kg for spermine and from 0.7 to 13.8 mg/kg for spermidine. Tyramine, histamine, putrescine, and cadaverine contents varied greatly, especially in ripened products and even among samples from the same commercial brand. Biogenic amines in cooked products were, in general, lower than 10 mg/kg, whereas 40% of ripened products reached levels above 300 mg/kg. Amine content in dry-cured ham was similar to those found in cooked products. High amounts of biogenic amines in some cooked products could be related to the use of low hygienic quality meat. Besides the contribution of the raw materials, amine formation can occur during the fermentative-ripening process. Adverse reactions due to interaction between monoamine oxidase inhibitors drugs and tyramine are expected in ripened products.