Ptomaine, << TOH mayn, >> poisoning is an outdated term for a type of food poisoning. Ptomaines are nitrogen-containing compounds that are formed by the bacterial decomposition of proteins. Although ptomaines are present in spoiled foods, the human digestive system can completely neutralize them. It is the bacteria–or the toxins (poisons) that are produced by the bacteria–that actually cause “ptomaine” poisoning. Ptomaines are now classified in a group of chemicals that do not cause food poisoning. See also Food poisoning .
