Nitrosamine dosage

Nitrosamines ( NDMA, CAS: 62-75-9), are classified as contaminants of concern due to their carcinogenic potential. Nitrosamine control has become a regulatory requirement in several sectors to ensure consumer and animal safety.

Analytical methods for the determination of nitrosamines

The determination of nitrosamines is based on sensitive and selective chromatographic methods:

• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) : suitable for volatile nitrosamines present in meat products, extracts or technical ingredients.
• LC-MS/MS (Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) : method of choice for analyzing non-volatile nitrosamines or those present in complex matrices such as protein extracts.

These approaches guarantee accurate detection, even at very low concentrations, and are comparable to methods used for other critical contaminants such as mycotoxin or pesticide determination .

Industrial applications and regulatory issues

Nitrosamine dosage is crucial in several areas:

• Human food : monitoring of charcuterie, processed meats and fermented products, where the reaction between amines and nitrites can generate nitrosamines.
• Nutraceutical : control of protein extracts and enriched formulations to guarantee their purity.
• Animal nutrition : securing raw materials and formulations to prevent unwanted exposure.
• Technical ingredients : verification of the quality and conformity of certain additives and industrial processes.

These analyses help meet European and international regulatory requirements that impose strict thresholds for certain types of nitrosamines. They are part of other regulatory controls, such as nitrite or nitrate measurements.

Matrices analyzed for nitrosamines

YesWeLab offers nitrosamine analysis in various matrices: processed meats and processed meat products, protein extracts, nutritional powders, nutraceutical formulations, technical ingredients, and plant samples likely to contain traces of nitrosamines. Each matrix requires appropriate preparation (extraction, purification, derivatization) to ensure reliable and accurate results.

Quality and safety issues

Controlling nitrosamines is essential for:

• Protect the health of consumers and animals by limiting exposure to potentially carcinogenic compounds.
• Meet regulatory requirements that impose maximum limits depending on product categories.
• Ensure transparency and trust among customers and distributors through traceability of controls.
• Promote food and nutraceutical products by ensuring their compliance and safety.

These objectives are part of a global quality approach, comparable to other critical analyses such as the dosage of heavy metals or the dosage of impurities .

YesWeLab's expertise in nitrosamine dosage

YesWeLab relies on a network of more than 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC, specializing in the analysis of food and environmental contaminants. Our experts guide each project toward the most appropriate method based on the matrix and objectives, whether for regulatory compliance, quality control, or research and development. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from a simplified service: online quote requests, real-time sample tracking, and results available quickly.

Take action

Do you want to check the presence of nitrosamines in your deli meats, protein extracts, or formulations? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for accurate and compliant testing. Request a quote online now for your analyses.