Warning about Nitrosamines - Eurofins Scientific AG
Nitrosamines are organic compounds formed by a nitrosation reaction between nitrites or nitrates and amines or amides. We are exposed to them every day through our diet, and some products contain them as a result of the way they are prepared and processed. On March 28, 2023, EFSA published the results of its assessment of the public health risk associated with the presence of nitrosamines in food. The conclusion is that the exposure of European consumers of all ages to nitrosamines is a major health concern, given the hazardous nature of these molecules.
The analyses and investigations carried out by EFSA have revealed the presence of nitrosamines in a wide range of foods, including cured meats, processed fish, cocoa, beer and other alcoholic beverages. The food group that contributes most to nitrosamine exposure is meat and meat products. Such molecules are also present in other foodstuffs such as processed vegetables, cereals, milk and dairy products, and fermented, pickled or spiced foods.
