Goat Cheese Histamine Information

Goat cheese, like other kinds of cheese, contains a variable amount of histamine, depending on the extent and type of bacterial fermentation it has undergone during production. Generally, aged and fermented cheeses contain higher histamine levels. However, the histamine content in goat cheese is relatively lower compared to hard, long-ripened cheeses (1). Although goat cheese might not be a significant source of histamine, it does contain other biogenic amines, like tyramine and, to a lesser extent, putrescine, which are reported to stimulate the release of histamine (histamine liberator) (2). Nonetheless, such an impact can vary between individuals depending on their metabolic characteristics and the state of their intestinal microbiota. Contrarily, some components of goat cheese, such as short-chain fatty acids, might indirectly contribute to regulating histamine levels. Short-chain fatty acids influence gut health, enhance the intestinal barrier, and regulate the immune response, thus modulating the release and action of histamine (3). In conclusion, goat cheese can moderately impact the histamine level - it can contribute to the histamine level by its content and by potentially liberating histamine. However, its impact on the histamine level may be counterbalanced by beneficial components that enhance health status and regulate immune functions. References: 1. Visciano P, Schirone M, Tofalo R, Suzzi G. (2012) Histamine poisoning and control measures in fish and fishery products. Front Microbiol. 2. EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ). (2011). Scientific Opinion on risk based control of biogenic amine formation in fermented foods. EFSA Journal. 3. Parvez S, Malik KA, Kang SA, Kim HY. (2006) Probiotics and their fermented food products are beneficial for health. Journal of Applied Microbiology.