Formation of biogenic amines in soy sauce and reduction via simple phytochemical addition

Biogenic amines (BAs) are of great concern as endogenous contaminants. In this study, the BA level and its formation in soy sauce were analyzed, and an efficient BAs reduction strategy was also explored via simple phytochemical addition. The results indicated that phenylethylamine (PHM), histamine (HM), tyramine (TYM) and putrescine (PUT) were the dominant BAs in soy sauce products, and the total BA levels were within the range 6.46 mg/L to 317.49 mg/L. In general, the total BA contents were low in soy sauces that had high amino nitrogen levels. Moreover, we found a good linear relationship between the HM and TYM contents in soy sauce products and fermented moromi. The content of BAs in the fermented moromi first increased, reaching a maximum content of 628.51 mg/L after 90 d of fermentation, then decreased. The inhibition effects of seven phytochemicals on BAs formation were tested. Quercetin showed a good result in BAs inhibition, and the contents of PUT and HM decreased were by 37.72% and 34.34%, respectively. Notably, quercetin had a negligible effect on BA degradation in the fermentation anaphase and on the quality of the soy sauce, indicating it is a promising additive for controlling BA levels in soy sauce.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the level and formation of biogenic amines (BAs) in soy sauce and explored an effective strategy for reducing BAs through the addition of phytochemicals. The dominant BAs in soy sauce were found to be phenylethylamine (PHM), histamine (HM), tyramine (TYM), and putrescine (PUT), with total BA levels ranging from 6.46 mg/L to 317.49 mg/L. There was a positive linear relationship between HM and TYM contents in soy sauce products and fermented moromi. Quercetin showed promising results in inhibiting BAs formation, with reductions of 37.72% and 34.34% in PUT and HM contents, respectively.