Dry-fermented sausages are a type of fermented meat product that may also contain
substances harmful to health, such as biogenic amines (BA), formed during fermentation
and ripening. Their formation and accumulation depend on numerous factors,
particularly the starter culture used and the type of sugar, both of which can significantly
influence BA production. During the fermentation of dry sausages and other fermented
foods, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) a desirable functional compound is also formed.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different combinations of starter
cultures (TRADI (TRADI-302, Chr. Hansen), SM (SM-194, Chr. Hansen), SM+BLC
(SM-194 in BLC-007, Chr. Hansen)) and sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, trehalose)
on BA formation. The control sample contained only indigenous microbiota. In four
independent batches and at four different time points, we analyzed BA and free amino
acid content using UPLC-MS/MS, monitored mass loss during fermentation, and
measured pH changes. The results showed that trehalose was the most suitable sugar for
reducing BA formation, while glucose was the least favorable. The choice of starter
culture did not significantly affect BA reduction; however, the control group (with only
indigenous microbiota) exhibited the highest BA concentration after 21 days of
ripening. Notably, substantial tyramine production was observed in all samples,
confirming that it is one of the most common BAs in dry-fermented sausages. This study
contributes to a better understanding of the influence of starter cultures and sugars on
the quality of our dry-fermented sausages, which may help optimize their production
processes.
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