Trace analysis of nitrosated foodstuffs for nitrosamides

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 167 - 172
• Main Authors: Mende, P., Spiegelhalder, B., Preussmann, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1991; New York, NY Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Chromatography, Gas; Fish Products - analysis; Food Analysis; Food toxicology; Gastric Juice - metabolism; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Meat Products - analysis; Medical sciences; Methylnitrosourea - analysis; Nitrosation; Nitroso Compounds - analysis; Nitrosourea Compounds - analysis; Plants, Edible - analysis; Toxicology; BNU; TEA; MNU; GLC; NTBG; Trace analysis; Stomach; Nitrosoureas; Toxicity; Nitrosamine; Malignant tumor; Nitrosation; Meat; Assay; Vertebrata; Pisces; Analytical method; Organic amide; Vegetable; Food
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/0278-6915(91)90034-5

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.