A chemosensing hydrogel is provided that undergoes a colorimetric reaction in response to the detection of a biogenic amine vapor, such as a biogenic amine vapor that is a by-product resulting from food spoilage. In an embodiment, an apparatus for detection of biogenic amines, is provided that includes a hydrogel having a bimetallic iron(II)-iron(III) complex disposed within the hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to exposure to a biogenic amine.
