OCCURRENCE OF VOLATILE NITROSAMINES IN EDIBLE OILS

Document Type : Research article

Authors

Abstract

A limited survey of edible oils was undertaken to determine the presence of volatile N-nitrosamines, a class of compounds carcinogenic to a broad range of animal species. Nitrosamines were detected and quantitated by a gas liquid chromatograph interfaced with a Thermal Energy Analyzer. Detectable N-nitrosodimethylamine, the only nitrosaemine found in 14 out of 20 samples of edible oils, ranged from 0.38 to 2.32 ppb. The potential helath hazard is discussed.