Biogenic amines, histamine and label of dressed fried fish meat products in Taiwan

One hundred and four dressed fried fish meat products, including 44 packaged and 60 unpackaged, were purchased from supermarkets and retail outlets, respectively in Taiwan between September 2002 and March 2003. The levels of histamine and biogenic amines and labeling condition were determined. It was found that 9%, 11%, 2%, and 18% of the packaged products did not meet the labeling requirement of ingredient, expiry date, address and telephone information, and nutrition information, respectively. Although no sample exceeded histamine level of 500 ppm, all packaged products and 24 out of 60 unpackaged ones showed detectable amounts of histamine. Fourteen samples of packaged products and two samples of unpackaged ones had histamine above 50 ppm, with level ranged from 53 to 87 ppm and from 75 to 108 ppm, respectively. The biogenic amines content of packaged product was higher than unpackaged one with average level of 725 ± 252 ppm and 595 ± 181 ppm, respectively. The dressed fried fish meat products with histamine level above 50 ppm sold in Taiwan should be considered.