Occurrence of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines in Asian beers sold in French markets

Abstract

Fifty-one samples of 17 Asian beer brands commercially available in France were analysed for the occurrence of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines, including ethanolamine, histamine, methylamine, ethylamine, tyramine, tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine, putrescine, isopenthylamine and cadaverine. The types and levels of biogenic amines varied from one brand to another. None of the ochratoxin A or biogenic amine contaminants in the Asian beer samples exceeded the recommended levels for safe consumption. Ochratoxin A was found to range from n.d. to 0.175 μg L-1. Biogenic amines were detected in all samples at a level ranging from 6.15 to 47.30 mg L-1. Isoamylamine was not detected in any of the beers. Ethanolamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine were the most abundant of the nine biogenic amines found in this study. The concentrations were 2.75-12.88 mg L-1for ethanolamine, 0.58-17.37 mg L-1for tyramine, 1.54-9.78 mg L-1for putrescine and 0.31-11.39 mg L-1for cadaverine. The work revealed significant, strong correlations (p<0.01) between concentrations of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines, especially tyramine, tryptamine and cadaverine. © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling.