Biogenic Amines in Canadian, American and European Beers

Abstract

A modified ion-exchange chromatographic method was used to analyze biogenic amines in Canadian, American and European beers. Histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and agmatine were present in detectable amounts. The concentrations of the various amines were compared according to types of beers, breweries and countries of origin.In Canada, beers produced in Quebec had higher amine contents than beers from other provinces. Differences were also obtained on the basis of the country of origin: Canadian beers had much higher amine contents than American and European beers. The European light calorics contained the highest amounts of agmatine, while the highest amounts of putrescine were found in American malt liquors. Also, Canadian and American porters, as well as American malt liquors, had the highest tyramine content.