Sample preparation for photometric determination of histamine in foodstuffs compared with capillary electrophoresis

 To determine levels of histamine, two methods were used, photometry in conjunction with two sample clean-up procedures, and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The two sample clean-up procedures used were liquid liquid extraction (LLE) with n-butanol and solid phase extraction (SPE). Using CZE, the separation of histamine from the matrix was good. The other method, photometry, represents a classic and simple method, that can be employed for in situ measurement of histamine. We found that it was necessary to clean up the samples prior to photometry; if this was not done, the recorded levels of histamine were higher than those determined by CZE. In order to determine levels of histamine, both of these rapid tests were applied to ten different foodstuffs. The levels of histamine measured using photometry following either LLE or SPE were compared. The results indicated that photometry is a suitable method for the measurement of histamine, although the sample solutions have to be purified by either LLE or SPE. Samples do not need to be cleaned up before CZE because there is no interference between histamine and attendant material. Both sample clean-up procedures were applied to the following foodstuffs: tomatoes, sauerkraut, tuna, leaf spinach, cream spinach, white wine and mackerel. The differences of the measured values vary between 3% and 18% for LLE and 6% and 27% for SPE. For the other foodstuffs, such as beef, beer and non-alcoholic beer, only one sample clean-up procedure is suitable. LLE used for beef and beer leads to differences in measured levels of histamine between 18% and 50%, respectively, whereas SPE used for non-alcoholic beer leads to differences of 20%.