The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has discovered several nitrosamine compounds that may cause cancer in a range of everyday foods, posing a potential health threat to consumers.
Nitrosamines found in foods including cured meats, processed fish… (Image source: efsa.europa.eu).
In a study published on March 28, EFSA identified 10 types of nitrosamine compounds as carcinogenic and potentially “toxic,” capable of causing genetic mutations. These compounds can inadvertently form during food preparation and processing.
EFSA reported that nitrosamines were found in foods including cured meats, processed fish, cocoa, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. The agency emphasized that meats represent the food group with the highest presence of nitrosamines.
Mr. Dieter Schrenk, Chair of the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain, expressed concern that the level of nitrosamine exposure in food raises health concerns for all demographic groups across the EU.
According to him, research on rodents shows that nitrosamines significantly increase the incidence of liver tumors in mice, marking the most severe health impact of nitrosamines on this species.
EFSA acknowledges a “knowledge gap” regarding the presence of nitrosamines in certain food groups. The agency recommends maintaining a balanced diet with a variety of foods to reduce nitrosamine consumption.
EFSA stated it will share its expert opinions with the European Commission (EC) – the executive body of the EU, to discuss potential risk management measures with the 27 member states, thereby protecting the health of the public and the healthcare systems of the bloc.
