Changes in biogenic amines of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fillets stored at different temperatures and their relation to total volatile base nitrogen, microbiological and sensory score

BACKGROUND: Biogenic amines have received considerable attention owing to their undesirable effects in humans. There are few studies of changes in biogenic amine contents related to freshwater fish. Silver carp is an important freshwater fish species in China. This study aimed to investigate the changes in biogenic amines and their relation to total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), microbiological and sensory score of silver carp fillets stored at 0, 3 and 15 degrees C. RESULTS: The total biogenic amine contents of all silver carp fillets (regardless of storage time and temperature) ranged from 13.05 to 318.10 mg kg-1. Putrescine and histamine were the main biogenic amines in silver carp fillets during storage. Cadaverine was only detected after 12 days at 3 degrees C and after 2 days at 15 degrees C. Spermidine and spermine contents increased during the early storage period and then slightly decreased. CONCLUSION: Low temperature could control the quality of silver carp fillets by inhibiting the contents of biogenic amines. Putrescine showed significant correlation with TVB-N, total aerobic content, sensory score, tryptamine and phenylethylamine. Putrescine was a good quality marker of silver carp fillets in the cold chain. Copyright (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry