Influence of hygienic quality of raw materials on biogenic amine production during ripening and storage of dry fermented sausages

The effect of the hygienic status of raw materials on biogenic amine production during ripening and storage (at 4 and 15 degrees C) of fermented sausages was studied. Two portions of fresh lean and back fat pork were stored for 5 days at -20 degrees C (treatment A) and at 4 degrees C (treatment B), respectively. Raw materials of treatment A maintained their hygienic quality high and low amine content. Raw materials of treatment B showed from 1 to 3 log (CFU/g) higher microbial counts and a biogenic amine index near 50 mg/kg, indicating poorer hygienic quality. The quality of raw materials influenced the composition and the concentration of biogenic amines produced during the ripening sausages. Sausages of treatment A (A-sausages) showed a large accumulation of tyramine (up to 100 mg/kg dm) followed by putrescine and cadaverine (<15 mg/kg). In contrast, B-sausages resulted in earlier and much greater amine production, and cadaverine, tyramine, and putrescine levels were 50-, 2.6-, and 6.5-fold higher than those of A-sausages. Other biogenic amines, such as octopamine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, and histamine were also produced in B-sausages. The higher proteolysis and the lower pH of B-sausages might have favored the decarboxylase activity of microorganisms. Biogenic amine contents of sausages during storage depended on the raw materials used and storage temperature. No significant modification on the amine contents was observed during the storage of A-sausages at either temperature. Greater changes occurred in B-sausages stored at 15 degrees C than in those stored at 4 degrees C. Higher temperatures favored proteolytic and decarboxylase reactions, resulting in increased amine concentrations after storage.