Analysis of biogenic amines in fermented fish products consumed in Korea

The aim of this study was to investigate the biogenic amine (BA) contents of fermented fish foods in Korea. A total of 47 samples of anchovy and sand lance sauces and squid, clam, and shrimp pastes were used for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The histamine and tyramine contents of the anchovy and sand lance sauces were significantly high. The average histamine contents of all tested samples were >300 mg/kg and the histamine contents were higher in the sauce (aekjeot) samples than in the paste (jeotgal) samples. This result strongly suggests careful monitoring of BA contents in these products is necessary to ensure consumer health.