Consumer exposure to nitrosamines, various compounds that can form in foods during their preparation and processing, raises health concerns.
These are the findings of the EFSA assessment on the risks to public health associated with the presence of nitrosamines in food: ten nitrosamines present in food are carcinogenic (can cause cancer) and genotoxic (can damage DNA).
EFSA consulted external stakeholders on its draft opinion and the numerous comments received were duly taken into account in the final drafting stage.
POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS
EFSA conducted its assessment by estimating the potential harm caused by nitrosamines to humans and animals and by assessing consumer exposure.
Dr. Dieter Schrenk, chair of the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain , said: "Our assessment concluded that for all age groups of the EU population, the level of exposure to nitrosamines in food is of health concern ."
Dr Schrenk added: 'Based on animal studies, we found the incidence of liver tumors in rodents to be the most serious health effect.'
"To ensure a high level of consumer protection, for our risk assessment we have proposed the worst case scenario : we have assumed that all nitrosamines present in food have the same carcinogenic potential in humans as the most harmful of the nitrosamines, although this is unlikely".
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN NITROSAMINE?
Nitrosamines have been found in several types of food products : meat products, processed fish, cocoa, beer and other alcoholic beverages. The most important food group contributing to nitrosamine exposure is meat and meat products.
Nitrosamines can also be present in other foods: processed vegetables, grains, milk and dairy products, or fermented, pickled and spiced foods.
There are currently some gaps in knowledge about the presence of nitrosamines in specific food categories. A balanced diet with as wide a variety of foods as possible could help consumers reduce their intake of nitrosamines.
NEXT STEPS
EFSA's opinion will be shared with the European Commission which will discuss appropriate risk management measures with Member State authorities. (Source: EFSA Europe )