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Volatile N-nitrosamines in dried foods
Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists
|September 1, 1981
Summary
Volatile N-nitrosamines, including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), were detected in malt, skim milk powder, coffee, and infant formula. Baby cereals were found to be free of these compounds.
Area of Science:
- Food Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Volatile N-nitrosamines are a group of compounds with potential carcinogenic properties.
- Dried food commodities are widely consumed and require assessment for contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify volatile N-nitrosamine levels in various dried food products.
- To identify specific N-nitrosamines present in contaminated samples.
Main Methods:
- Vacuum distillation followed by dichloromethane extraction.
- Gas-liquid chromatography with a thermal energy analyzer for detection.
- Confirmation of N-nitrosamine identity using GC-MS and HPLC.
Main Results:
- N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was detected in all analyzed malts and instant skim milk powders.
- Traces of NDMA and other nitrosamines were found in dried soups, instant coffees, and infant formulas.
- Baby cereals did not contain detectable levels of N-nitrosamines.
Conclusions:
- Certain dried food commodities, particularly malt and milk powders, can contain significant levels of NDMA.
- Further investigation into sources and mitigation strategies for N-nitrosamines in food is warranted.