Volatile N-nitrosamines in meat products: Potential precursors, influence of processing, and mitigation strategies

ABSTRACT

Meat products can be contaminated with carcinogenic N-nitrosamines, which is ascribed to the reaction between a nitrosating agent, originating from nitrite or smoke, and a secondary amine, derived from protein and lipid degradation. Although in model systems it is demonstrated that many amine containing compounds can be converted to N-nitrosamines, the yield is dependent of reaction conditions (e.g., low pH and high temperature). In this article, the influence of the composition of the meat products (e.g., pH, a_w, spices) and processing (e.g., ageing, ripening, fermentation, smoking, heat treatment and storage) on the presence and availability of the amine precursors and the N-nitrosamine formation mechanism is discussed. In addition, this article explores the current N-nitrosamine mitigation strategies in order to obtain healthier and more natural meat products.

KEYWORDS:

• N-nitroso compounds
• amine
• cured meats
• nitrite
• proteolysis
• lipolysis

Funding

E. De Mey is a postdoctoral fellow supported by the Postdoctoral Mandate (PDM) from KU Leuven. This work was performed in the framework of the MeCagrO2 project “Safe products, sustainable processes and employment increased attractiveness for companies from the 2 Seas agro-food Area.” Note: “The document reflects the author's views. The interreg IVA 2 Seas Programme Authorities are not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.”