Rapid tests for histamine from Neogen® can screen fish and fishmeal samples at 50 ppm, or provide fully quantitative results in the range of 2.5 to 50 ppm.
High levels of histamine may develop in a variety of fish species as they decompose. These species include tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, bluefish, sardines, anchovy, bonito, herring and mackerel. Ingestion of histamine may cause scombroid poisoning in humans, which may lead to a variety of symptoms, including rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, palpitations and muscle weakness. Paralysis and death have also been reported in cases of scombroid poisoning. Because of its potential for human illness, the FDA has ruled that extensive refrigeration records and/or histamine testing must be included in a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program for relevant fish species. The FDA has set an action level of 50 parts per million (ppm) for histamine in domestic and imported fish.
Neogen’s Alert® for Histamine kits are screening microwell tests that compare up to five samples at a time against a known level of allergen or toxin. The tests provide visible results that clearly show whether a sample contains more or less of a specific food allergen or toxin than the control provided.
Neogen’s Reveal® for Histamine screening kits are extremely easy-to-use and interpret test strips that screen samples against set thresholds.
Neogen’s Veratox® for Histamine kits are quantitative tests that compare up to 19 samples at a time against test controls. Through the use of a microwell reader, the tests provide accurate sample results in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb).
