Trace analysis of nitrosated foodstuffs for nitrosamides

An analytical procedure previously developed for the trace determination of nitrosamides was applied to a screening of nitrosated foodstuffs for nitrosoureas. Different types of foodstuffs were nitrosated both under chemical conditions using a high nitrite concentration, and under simulated gastric conditions. Methylating activity corresponding to N-nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU) was detected in most samples. Under chemical conditions, the yields spanned several orders of magnitude with processed fish and meat products being at the top, and plant products at the bottom of the scale. After nitrosation under simulated gastric conditions, the range of MNU activity was significantly smaller. No correlation exists between the yields determined under chemical and simulated gastric conditions.