THE OCCURRENCE OF VOLATILE N-NITROSAMINES IN FRENCH FOODSTUFFS

Volatile N-nitrosamines were estimated in 258 food samples and 53 beverages purchased in Eastern France in 1987-88. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was found in 278 samples (89%) with a maximum level of 16-mu-g/kg. The highest values were found in stone fruit spirits. Nitrite-cured meats, smoked meats and smoked fishes were contaminated with appreciable amounts of this N-nitrosamine. The other N-nitrosamines were found more rarely, and usually below 0.5-mu-g/kg. Beer NDMA content (mean: 0.28-mu-g/litre) was lower than in the past due to the efforts of the brewing organizations.