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26.04.2023 - Foods
Potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines in food: EFSA publishes new opinion on health risks
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the health risks of nitrosamines in food.
Nitrosamines are chemical compounds that can form during the preparation and processing of food in the presence of substances such as nitrite and nitrogen oxides as well as certain secondary and tertiary amines. They are mainly found in cured meat products, processed fish, beer, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They have also been detected in cheese, cereals, processed vegetables, soy sauces, and various oils.
Most of these compounds have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal tests. Whether this also applies to humans has not yet been definitively proven. Nitrosamines can also be endogenously formed in the human body. Humans primarily take in nitrosamines through processed foods.
In a recent statement, the EFSA has conducted an assessment of health risks posed by nitrosamines in food. This was based on an estimate of total intake using available content data. Overall, the EFSA concludes that dietary exposure to nitrosamines (P95; high intake of nitrosamine-containing foods) indicates a health risk for all age groups with a high probability, even considering the existing uncertainties. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) shares the EFSA's views.
Further information on this can be found in Announcement No. 015/2023 from April 3, 2023 by the BfR at the following link.
In the laboratories of the Tentamus Group, we regularly perform testing for nitrosamines. We provide fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. Our customer advisors are available to answer your questions.
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