Biogenic amines in meat and meat products and its public health significance: a review

Biogenic amines are anti-nutritional nitrogenous bases formed by the action of microbial decarboxylases on free amino acids. They are found widely in varying concentrations in meat and meat products. Public health significance lies in their toxic effects associated with high levels in meat and meat products. Owing to their consistent presence with microbial spoilage they are utilized as quality indicator in terms of spoilage/freshness of meat and meat products. The reason for the formation of these amines is multi-factorial however the poor quality meat is the most important one, contributing substrate for microbial decarboxylases. Their presence can be analytically determined in the food stuffs by employing various techniques. The key to control biogenic amines is the good manufacturing practices. Many new technologies have also been emerged to reduce the levels of these amines to permissible limits.