Mutagenic activity of nitrosated foods in an area with a high risk for stomach cancer

Abstract

In a search for possible sources of mutagens in human foods, astudy was made of six common foods in the diet of a population at high risk for gastric cancer (in Nariño, Colombia). No mutagenic activity was demonstrated in nonnitrosated foods. After nitrosation, only one of the foods, fava beans, demonstrated a mutagenic effect. This effect was direct and concentrated in the germ and pulp of the beans. (Nutr Cancer 6, 171–175, 1984)