Concentrations of seven biogenic amines in sauerkraut

Biogenic amines were determined in 121 sauerkraut samples as N-benzamides by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. The samples were divided into four groups: from Czech manufacturers, Austrian manufacturers, household-prepared and sterilized with brine in jars. Mean concentrations were 174, 146 and 50 mg kg−1 for tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine, respectively. However, very wide variations occurred. The lowest concentrations were found in household-prepared sauerkraut. Histamine levels were below 2 mg kg−1 in 44% of samples and above 10 mg kg−1 in only 19% of samples. The concentrations of tryptamine, spermidine and especially of spermine were low. No significant correlations were observed between sauerkraut quality parameters and amine concentrations. From the nutritional point of view, high tyramine levels should be taken under consideration.