Content of biogenic amines and polyamines in beers from the Czech Republic

Abstract

Altogether 114 samples of alcoholic and non-alcoholic bottled beer produced in 28 breweries in the Czech Republic were monitored for levels of biogenic amines (BA) and polyamines (PA). The beers were analysed immediately after purchase and then at the end of the best-before period (storage temperature 8 +/- 1 degrees C). The concentrations of histamine, phenylethylamine and tryptamine in the studied samples were very low (mostly under 30 mg L-1). The studied PA spermine and spermidine also occurred in small amounts. Nevertheless, the levels of tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine reached significant values, especially in alcoholic beers. In almost 25% of the tested samples of alcoholic beers (at the end of the best-before period), the total amount of all the monitored BA and PA exceeded the 'healthy' level of 100 mg L-1, which is considered toxicologically significant, especially in alcoholic beverages. Copyright (C) 2012 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling