The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has issued a warning about the presence of cancer-causing chemicals known as nitrosamines in various everyday foods, a finding that has raised significant health concerns.
Nitrosamines, which are found in some foods as well as in tobacco smoke, cosmetics, and other consumer products, are not added to food intentionally.
Instead, they can form during the preparation and processing of foods, especially those that are cured, smoked, or grilled, or contain nitrate or nitrite preservatives. These compounds are considered both carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and genotoxic (DNA-damaging).
The EFSA’s study identified 10 nitrosamines in foods such as cured meats, processed fish, cocoa, beer, and other alcoholic drinks.
The study indicates that meat is the primary contributor to nitrosamine exposure. This finding is particularly troubling because it suggests a widespread risk across the EU population, affecting all age groups.
Dieter Schrenk, chair of the EFSA’s panel on contaminants in the food chain, noted that the study used a “worst-case scenario” approach.
This means the study assumed all detected nitrosamines could potentially cause cancer like the most harmful forms of these compounds, although this scenario is unlikely in reality.
Despite this, the detection of nitrosamines in food is concerning, especially given their potential to cause liver tumors in rodents, as shown in animal studies.
The EFSA acknowledged that there are still “knowledge gaps” regarding nitrosamines in some food groups, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
To mitigate the risk of nitrosamine exposure, the EFSA recommends a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods. This approach can help reduce the consumption of nitrosamines.
In addition, food manufacturers are encouraged to take steps to minimize the formation of nitrosamines during food processing and preparation.
The EFSA’s findings are a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for continuous regulation and monitoring.
Consumers should be aware of these potential risks and make informed choices to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.
The European Commission, as the EU’s executive arm, will discuss potential risk management measures with member states based on the EFSA’s opinion.
Nitrosamines like N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDBA) have been linked to cancer in animal studies and are known environmental contaminants.
Their detection in everyday foods highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and the need for vigilance in both food production and consumption.
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