The Biofish-300 HIS method is a simple, reliable, and specific enzymatic biosensor for the detection of histamine. This technology is highly specific and selective and allows quantification of histamine in fishery products (fresh/frozen and processed) in a short time frame (2-3 min). Histamine in raw tuna, raw mackerel, raw sardine, raw anchovy, boiled tuna, canned tuna in water, canned tuna in oil, canned mackerel in tomato sauce, canned pickled sardine, and canned salted anchovy was analyzed using a water-based extract. Matrix-specific assay procedures and calibration curves were used to enable analyses to be carried out across multiple sample types. The performance of this assay was examined using samples that were naturally contaminated (reference materials and interlaboratory studies) and spiked with histamine. All data were judged against previously established acceptance criteria. Performance measures were evaluated for linearity, selectivity, matrix, lot consistency, and robustness. Results produced in all performance measures, except robustness, were within acceptable ranges. Out-of-range robustness results reflected deviation in sample volume compared to the standard assay procedures. Positive interferences from the presence of agmatine were shown.

Sulfites are some of the oldest and most widespread preservatives in our food supply. They are food additives that have antioxidant properties, but they are also recorded as allergens by the main international regulatory bodies on food safety because of their adverse health effect. Hence, sulfites maximum concentration in foodstuff is regulated and they must be ensured by the agro-food processing industries. The most widely used technique for the quantification of sulfites is the Modified Monier-Williams (AOAC Official Method 990.28). In this method, SO₂ is released from sulfites and some bound compounds when the sample is mixed with an acid (normally hydrochloric acid, but sometimes phosphoric acid) and heated. The SO₂ is distilled using a stream of nitrogen gas, which carries the gaseous SO₂ into an absorbing solution of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) where it is oxidised to sulphuric acid. The amount of SO₂ distilled into the H₂O₂ is determined by titration with 0.1M sodium hydroxide. Apart from being time consuming (at least 2 h) and the usage of toxic solvents, the method presents some other disadvantages that make it inappropriate as a routine-control technique for the agro-food industry. Hence, the industry demands simple, fast and accurate methods for sulfite level monitoring. BIOLAN is a SME that develops and commercializes biosensors for quantitative analysis of food quality and safety parameters, based on its proprietary enzyme-based electrochemical biosensor technology platform. This technology enables high accurate and robust analysis with a compact device that help the users to control the quality in an easy and safety manner. Biofish-300 SUL method is a highly specific enzimatic biosensor for the rapid quantification of sulfite, measured as SO₂ content, in crustaceans. It consists on the extraction of sulfite in an aqueous based solution, by the aid of an Ultra-turrax or similar, and its subsequent quantification by the biosensor after previous calibration (3 min). Sulfite in raw shrimp head-on, raw shrimp head-off, and boiled shrimp was analyzed, and performance was examined using naturally contaminated and spiked samples by comparisons with AOAC (OMA) 990.28. Linearity, selectivity, matrix, consistency, and robustness were evaluated. All results were within acceptable ranges except robustness, which reflected deviation in the sample volume and ultraturrax time compared with the standard assay procedures described in the Biofish 300 SUL Instruction Manual. Accuracy, assessed as a comparison of the Biofish results with the OMA results, ranged from 82 to 115% in all samples except for fortified raw shrimp head-on, in which the low level yielded an accuracy of 138%. The method bias was in general negative in both incurred and fortified high levels, and slightly positive in incurred low levels. Repeatability was very good as shown by the low RSD values, demonstrating acceptable repeatability precision with results <10% in most of the evaluated values. Regression analyses showed a g...