Histamine Limits by Country: A Survey and Review

Abstract

Histamine is a biogenic amine and a food safety hazard, and it is the only biogenic amine regulated by statute or hazard analysis and critical control point guidance. This article reviews the regulations for histamine levels in fish in countries around the world, including maximum limits or levels and sampling procedures in different fish preparations. The maximum histamine levels, sampling plans, and fish products are listed. The country-by-country regulations for maximum histamine acceptance levels in some food products vary by a factor of 8, from 50 ppm in some countries to a maximum of 400 ppm in other countries. For similar food products, the maximum histamine levels vary by a factor of 4 (from 50 ppm to 200 ppm) in, for example, fresh tuna. The country-by-country sampling plans vary widely as well, and these, too, are covered in detail.

Keywords: Codex Alimentarius; European Union; Hazard analysis and critical control point; Histamine regulations; Histamine sampling; U.S. Food and Drug Administration.