When Are Nitrosamines Formed?

Nitrosamines are formed by reaction of secondary or tertiary amines with a nitrosating agent. In foods, the nitrosating agent is usually nitrous anhydride, formed from nitrite in acidic, aqueous solution. Food constituents and the physical make-up of the food can effect nitrosamine formation.

Are nitrosamines naturally occurring?

Abstract. Nitrosamines have no known industrial use. However, they can be found in processed foods as unintentional by-products of food preparation and processing. ... Nitrosamines may be formed as disinfection by-products when dichloramine in water reacts with available organic matter of either natural or man-made origins ...

Which conditions favor the formation of nitrosamines?

Under acidic pH in the mouth or stomach, nitrite or nitrates added to food or naturally occurring may combine with amines to form nitrosamines.