Histamine and Other Biogenic Amines in Albacore Tuna

Abstract Biogenic amines were determined in 102 samples of albacore tuna harvested in the US Northwest from 1994 to 1996. Six amines were detected: spermine, spermidine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine and tyramine. Total levels varied from 0.59 to 4.65 mg/100 g. Spermine was present at higher levels, followed by spermidine, hista-mine, putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine. There were significant differences of amine levels in fish from different years. No difference was observed on amine levels of upper and lower loin light muscles, however, dark muscle contained higher spermidine. Intestine wall samples contained higher amine levels and also histamine and serotonin. Canning caused losses of spermine, putrescine and tyramine and accumulation of 2-phenylethylamine.