Histamine Production by <i>Morganella morganii</i> in Mackerel, Albacore, Mahi‐mahi, and Salmon at Various Storage Temperatures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Morganella morganii was studied for its growth and histamine formation in mackerel, albacore, mahi‐mahi, and salmon stored at various temperatures from ‐30 °C to 37 °C. The optimal temperature for histamine formation was 25 °C. Mackerel, albacore, and mahi‐mahi were shown as good substrates for histidine decarboxylation by M. morganii at elevated temperatures (&gt; 15 °C). M. morganii inoculated in all fish species including salmon formed histamine above the FDA guideline. Their growth was controlled by cold storage of the fish at 4 °C or below, but histamine formation was controlled only by frozen storage. Although histamine was not detected in any frozen samples, it accumulated rapidly in the previously frozen fish stored at 25 °C.