Scientific Opinion on risk based control of biogenic amine formation in fermented foods

Abstract A qualitative risk assessment of biogenic amines (BA) in fermented foods was conducted, using data from the scientific literature, as well as from European Union‐related surveys, reports and consumption data. Histamine and tyramine are considered as the most toxic and food safety relevant, and fermented foods are of particular BA concern due to associated intensive microbial activity and potential for BA formation. Based on mean content in foods and consumer exposure data, fermented food categories were ranked in respect to histamine and tyramine, but presently available information was insufficient to conduct quantitative risk assessment of BA, individually and in combination(s). Regarding BA risk…