Biogenic amines in low- and reduced-fat dry fermented sausages formulated with konjac gel

Biogenic amines in low- and reduced-fat dry fermented sausages made with konjac gel (KG) as pork backfat replacer were studied. An increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the microbial count during the fermentation process, reaching levels of over 8 Log cfu/g of total viable microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria. However, no significant differences were observed in the microbiota evolution as a function of the reformulation process (fat and konjac gel content). High levels of physiological amines (spermidine, spermine, and agmatine) were observed in the raw material. From day 2 of the fermentation process an increase (P < 0.05) was observed in tyramine and putrescine, which were the predominant amines at the end of the storage period. The increase in these amines was proportional to the presence of KG and fat reduction. This can also be seen for spermine, with agmatine showing the inverse. The biogenic amine levels in these products reformulated with KG are not considered to pose a health risk to consumers.