The cold chain and the COVID-19 pandemic: an unusual increase in histamine content in fish samples collected in Southern Italy during lockdown

Abstract Objectives We analysed 900 samples of fresh (250) and processed (650) fish products collected in Sicily (Southern Italy) 2020 during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (hereafter: COVID-19). Materials methods The were divided temporally based on five phases relating to various restrictions imposed by Italian government this period. validated method ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) combined with a diode array detector (DAD) was then employed for analysis. Results Phase I lockdown period after it had ended (Phase II) revealed significant increases mean histamine levels: 41.89±87.58 mg/kg -1 24.91±76.76 -1, respectively. 11 (1.3% total) that identified as being non-compliant EC Reg. 2073/2005 only found these two periods. All always compliant. values decreased eased, achieving value 11.16±9.3 mgkg III). Conclusions There an increase incidence compared previous surveillance data. These results provide first report effect measures food safety cold chain. Our findings must cause operators intensify their controls over such periods safeguard consumer health. Further studies are required evaluate whether same trend would be observed other contaminants.