Biogenic amines formation in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fillets at 8 °C kept in modified atmosphere packaging with varied CO2 concentration

Carbon dioxide concentration in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were varied in order to determine their effects on the biogenic amines formation in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fillets kept at 8 °C. The gas mixtures were M1 (100% CO2), M2 (75% CO2/25% N2), M3 (50% CO2/50% N2), M4 (25% CO2/75% N2) and air-packed (control). Cadaverine was the major amine, which was followed by putrescine in all samples throughout storage. At the end of the storage period, histamine concentration in M1, M2, M3, M4 and control were 169.9, 180.8, 211.7, 240.4 and 473.6 mg/kg, respectively. Putrescine was initially not detected in M1, M2 and M3, but later increased in all samples. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine and agmatine among the treatments. The total biogenic amines formation was inversely correlated (R2 = −0.98) to CO2 concentration, however, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the total biogenic amines between the samples kept in 75 and 100% CO2.

► Cadaverine and putrescine were major amines in all samples throughout storage. ► Total biogenic amines was inversely correlated (R2 = −0.98) to CO2 concentration. ► No significant difference in the total biogenic amines in 75 and 100% CO2 kept samples.