Formation of heterocyclic amines in fried fish fiber during processing and storage

The formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) in fried fish fiber during processing and storage was studied. Fried fish fiber was prepared by boiling of raw fish, followed by eviscerating, pressing, chopping, and then the fish meat was subjected to frying, during which the various additives such as sugar, soybean sauce, and edible oil were added. The various HAs in fried fish fiber were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection. Only four HAs, Norharman, Harman, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole, and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole were detected in fried fish fiber. The amount of HAs increased with increasing frying temperature. Amino acids might play a more important role for HA formation than reducing sugar during processing of fried fish fiber. During storage, the HAs increased with increasing storage temperature when the fried fish fiber was packed in an aluminum foil bag. However, the relationship between storage temperature and HAs formation was not consistent when the fried fish fiber was packed in a plastic bag.