Nitrosamine dosage

Nitrosamines the reaction between amines and nitrites, primarily during food processing or preservation. Some of them, such as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA, CAS: 62-75-9), are classified as contaminants of concern due to their potential carcinogenicity. Controlling nitrosamines has become a regulatory requirement in several sectors to ensure the safety of consumers and animals.

Analytical methods for the determination of nitrosamines

Nitrosamine analysis relies on sensitive and selective chromatographic methods:

• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography coupled with 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 assays .

Industrial applications and regulatory challenges

Nitrosamine dosage is crucial in several areas:

• Human food : monitoring of cured meats, processed meats and fermented products, where the reaction between amines and nitrites can generate nitrosamines.
• Nutraceuticals : control of protein extracts and enriched formulations to guarantee their purity.
• Animal nutrition : securing raw materials and formulations to prevent any undesirable 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 consistent with other regulatory controls, such as nitrite and nitrate testing.

Matrices analyzed for nitrosamines

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

Quality and safety issues

Control of nitrosamines is essential for:

• Protecting the health of consumers and animals by limiting exposure to potentially carcinogenic compounds.
• To meet regulatory requirements that impose maximum limits according to product categories.
• Ensuring transparency and trust with customers and distributors through traceability of controls.
• To enhance the value of food and nutraceutical products by ensuring their compliance and safety.

These objectives are part of a comprehensive quality approach, comparable to other critical analyses such as heavy metal analysis or impurity analysis .

YesWeLab's expertise in nitrosamine analysis

YesWeLab relies on a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards, specializing in the analysis of food and environmental contaminants. Our experts guide each project toward the most suitable method based on the specific requirements and objectives, whether for regulatory compliance, quality control, or research and development. Our digital platform offers a simplified service: online quote requests, real-time sample tracking, and rapid results.

Take action

Do you want to test for nitrosamines in your processed meats, protein extracts, or formulations? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for precise and compliant analysis. Request a quote online now for your tests.