Factors Attributing to the Formation of N-Nitrosamines in Instant Food

N-nitrosamines can be produced in the process of heating, processing, storage and packaging. Migration specifications for N-nitrosamines exist only for rubber baby bottle nipples, which are regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). There is no regulation for other food contact substances (FCS) and studies on N-nitrosamines migration from FCS are rather limited. A pilot study showed an increase in N-nitrosamines contents when cooking instant noodles. Thus, the migration from the packaging was suspected and it was necessary to monitor the migration of N-nitrosamines from food packaging materials and to examine the change in N-nitrosamines contents when cooking instant foods. Three N-nitrosamines, NDMA (N-nitrosodimethtlamine), NDEA (N-nitrosodiethylamine), NDBA (N-nitrosodibutylamine), were analyzed in migration test solutions from plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, papers and aluminium containers. In all test solutions, N-nitrosamines were detected less than method quantitation limits (MQLs). Food samples were also investigated to ensure that there is no effect from food contact substances when cooking instant foods. In retort sauces such as curry, black soybean sauce and tomato sauce, NDMA concentration was ranged from 0.54 to 3.81 ?/kg, but there were no significant differences between unheated and heated samples. However, the NDMA contents were significantly increased in most of the instant noodle samples tested when cooked (p less than 0.05). No effects from the food contact substances or cooking water was observed. Only when the seasoning powder and noodles were cooked together was NDMA detected. Individual components (noodle, seasoning powder or dried vegetable) or other combinations such as noodles and dried vegetables did not generate N-nitrosamines. Therefore, it is speculated that NDMA may be formed from the precursors in noodles and seasoning powders when they are solubilized in a medium of water.