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Food Control

Fish and fish products
Other foods

Histamine in fish, fish products and other foods

Histamine is a naturally occurring biogenic amine that plays an important role in the human body. Histamine is involved in many mechanisms through its release, such as immunological, physiological, and inflammatory mechanisms, as well as smooth muscle contraction, vasodilation, and increased vascular permeability. In healthy persons, Histamine in food is rapidly metabolized by the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). But in cases where the DAO activity is reduced excess Histamine may generate effects which are quite similar to allergic reactions such as flushing, headache, rhinitis, pruritus, vertigo.

Histamine in fish and fish products

Histamine is a product of decomposition of histidine caused by the growth of certain bacteria in seafood. Fish containing high levels of histamine has been associated with many examples of poisoning commonly referred to as “scombroid poisoning,” a major health problem for consumers.

For the determination of histamine in different scombroid fish types and for the determination of histamine in fishmeal, LDN offers the AOAC performance tested HistaSureTM ELISAFast Track.  After a simple water extraction, the histamine is determined quantitative or semi-quantitative using a simple and fast competitive ELISA.

Histamine in other foods

Besides fish, histamine can also be found in other foods, particularly those that are fermented, aged, or processed. Common histamine-rich foods include:

  • Aged cheese
  • Fermented foods (e.g. sauerkraut, fish sauce)
  • Cured meats (e.g. salami)
  • Alcoholic beverages (e.g. red wine, champagne)

For the determination of histamine in different foods as well as scombroid fish types and fishmeal, LDN offers the Histamine Food ELISA. After a simple water extraction, the histamine is determined quantitative using a simple and fast competitive ELISA.

All assays only need a minimal amount of lab experience and equipment.

Training

In contrast to many other available methods for the screening of Histamine in fish, the handling of the HistaSure™ assays is quite easy to learn and can be run by each quality control personnel. Nonetheless LDN offers training on these products and all other LDN test kits in its own laboratories or on-site. Please contact us to arrange a testified training.