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Danger hidden in food PRAKTYKA
– biogenic amines

PART 1. CHARACTERISTICS, OCCURENCE AND HEALTH ASPECTS

Biogenic amines (AB) are biologically active compounds which are necessary for the proper functioning of living
organisms, so that commonly occur in all plants, animals and microorganisms. On the other hand, some research
indicates their toxic effects (especially when they are taken in large amounts of food), or even carcinogenic,
because they are precursors of nitrosamines which are mutagenic and teratogenic. Biogenic amines are present
in food as ingredients of raw materials used for their production. Food products with the highest content of
biogenic amines are: meat, fish, cheese and fermented products (wine, beer, pickles and sauerkraut). On the
negative effect of AB particularly vulnerable are allergies and people with chronic diseases of the respiratory and
cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, their large amount in certain products could indicate growth of undesirable
microorganisms, so it can be an indicator of freshness.

ANALITYKA – NUMER 4, ROK (XVI) 2015 33