Production of heterocyclic aromatic amines in meat: Chemistry, health risks and inhibition. A review

Comparing application methods of reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) extract in deep-fried meatballs: impact on heterocyclic aromatic amine formation

BACKGROUND

The present research was conducted to investigate the impact of reishi mushroom extract (RME) on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in meatballs. Sample preparations involved applying RME using either the spreading or addition method, with varying concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% of RME), followed by deep-frying at temperatures of 150 and 190 °C for 3 min.

RESULTS

The types and levels of HAAs varied based on the frying temperature, method of extract application, and the extract concentration. Notably, total HAA contents increased with rising the frying temperature (P < 0.01) and varied from undetectable levels to 4.91 ng g-1 across all analyzed meatballs. The addition method was more effective than the spreading method (P < 0.01), and among the concentrations tested 0.25% RME exhibited the highest efficacy in reducing total HAAs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition method inhibited lipid oxidation more efficiently compared to the surface spreading method (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that RME had mitigating effects on HAAs depending on the concentration and frying conditions in deep-fried meatball samples. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring the roles of excess amino acids, creatine, creatinine, and glucose in the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines by UPLC-MS/MS

The prevention and control of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) formation to mitigate of potential risks to humans, can be achieved by targeting their precursors. In this study, the detailed roles of individual and excess component (20 common α-amino acids, creatine, creatinine, and glucose) on HAA formation in roasted beef patties were examined using UPLC-MS/MS. The results confirmed the reported classical precursors of HAAs. Some components regulated the competitive production of Norharman and Harman. Glycine (Gly) and glucose favored Norharman formation, while cysteine (Cys) and phenylalanine (Phe) for Harman. Serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr) were identified as potential precursors for IQx-type HAAs. Interestingly, methionine (Met), Gly, Thr, Cys, alanine (Ala), and Ser were revealed as more targeted underlying precursors for 1,6-DMIP and 1,5,6-TMIP, and the formation mechanism was inferred. Furthermore, Pro, Leu, His, Ile, Lys and Asp were considered as great inhibitors for HAAs.

Theoretical exploration of the phenolic compounds' inhibition mechanism of heterocyclic aromatic amines in roasted beef patties by density functional theory

The ability of spices (bay leaf, star anise, and red pepper) and their characteristic phenolic compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, and capsaicin) to inhibit Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in roasted beef patties were compared. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to reveal phenolic compounds interacting with HAAs-related intermediates and free radicals to explore possible inhibitory mechanisms for HAAs. 3 % red chili and 0.03 % capsaicin reduced the total HAAs content by 57.09 % and 68.79 %, respectively. DFT demonstrated that this was due to the stronger interaction between capsaicin and the β-carboline HAAs intermediate (Ebind = -32.95 kcal/mol). The interaction between quercetin and phenylacetaldehyde was found to be the strongest (Ebind = -17.47 kcal/mol). Additionally, DFT indicated that capsaicin reduced the carbonyl content by transferring hydrogen atoms (HAT) to eliminate HO·, HOO·, and carbon-centered alkyl radicals. This study provided a reference for the development of DFT in the control of HAAs.

Aging, oxidative stress and degenerative diseases: mechanisms, complications and emerging therapeutic strategies

Aging accompanied by several age-related complications, is a multifaceted inevitable biological progression involving various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The major factor in this process is oxidative stress, caused by an abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ROS and RNS pose a threat by disrupting signaling mechanisms and causing oxidative damage to cellular components. This oxidative stress affects both the ER and mitochondria, causing proteopathies (abnormal protein aggregation), initiation of unfolded protein response, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal cellular senescence, ultimately leading to inflammaging (chronic inflammation associated with aging) and, in rare cases, metastasis. RONS during oxidative stress dysregulate multiple metabolic pathways like NF-κB, MAPK, Nrf-2/Keap-1/ARE and PI3K/Akt which may lead to inappropriate cell death through apoptosis and necrosis. Inflammaging contributes to the development of inflammatory and degenerative diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy. The body's antioxidant systems, sirtuins, autophagy, apoptosis, and biogenesis play a role in maintaining homeostasis, but they have limitations and cannot achieve an ideal state of balance. Certain interventions, such as calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, dietary habits, and regular exercise, have shown beneficial effects in counteracting the aging process. In addition, interventions like senotherapy (targeting senescent cells) and sirtuin-activating compounds (STACs) enhance autophagy and apoptosis for efficient removal of damaged oxidative products and organelles. Further, STACs enhance biogenesis for the regeneration of required organelles to maintain homeostasis. This review article explores the various aspects of oxidative damage, the associated complications, and potential strategies to mitigate these effects.

Effect of potato starch coating containing selected amino acids to prevent the formation of PhIP in pan-fried chicken breast

The effects of potato starch (PS) coating containing amino acids (AAs) on the formation of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP) in chicken breasts were evaluated. PhIP is classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The 5% (w/w) gelatinized PS coating solution was incorporated with tryptophan (Trp) or lysine (Lys) at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% (w/w of the coating solution) concentrations. Chicken breast cuts with the same dimensions (5 × 2 × 1.5 cm) were dipped in the PS coating solution for 15 min before frying. After frying the chicken at 195°C for 7.5 min on each side, PhIP levels, color, cooking loss, tenderness, and texture profile assay were evaluated. The average PhIP concentration was decreased from 92.62 ng/g for the control chicken breast without coating to 6.30 ng/g (0.25% Lys), 6.76 ng/g (0.5% Lys), and 11.98 ng/g (0.75% Lys), accounting for an 89%-92% reduction in PhIP levels compared to the controls. However, dipping in Trp-containing PS coating had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) PhIP reduction effect (34%-67%). There was no significant difference in cooking loss percentage, tenderness, texture profile parameters, and color parameters of PS-coated chicken. Triangle test results showed that consumers did not detect a significant difference in the PS-coated chicken breasts (p < 0.001). Overall, this study suggests that the application of PS-based coatings incorporated with AAs on chicken breast reduces the PhIP formation.

Vegetable extracts: Effective inhibitors of heterocyclic aromatic amines and advanced glycation end products in roasted Mackerel

The formation of hazardous substances, heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), in roasted mackerel with different cooking temperatures (180, 210, 240 °C) and vegetable extracts (celery, carrot and yam extracts) in a preheated oven was investigated. The results indicated that the introduction of vegetable extracts had inhibitory effects on HAAs and AGEs during thermal processing, especially celery extracts. Benefiting from the addition of vegetable extracts, the roasted mackerel keep high quality against lipid/protein oxidation, avoids nutrition loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and flavor is promoted. We also examined the variation of key precursors, including creatine, creatinine, reducing sugars, amino acids and attempted to explain the molecular pathway of inhibition of the formation of the hazardous substances by vegetable extracts. The results provide theoretical support to develop technologies for inhibiting hazardous substances formation during fish processing, which is important for food manufacturers and consumers for producing healthier meat products.

Understanding the Development of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Fried Bacon and in the Remaining Oil after Pan-Frying in Five Different Vegetable Oils

The physicochemical properties of five vegetable oils (peanut, corn, rapeseed, sunflower seed, and soybean) and their impact on the development of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in pan-fried bacon and in the remaining oil were investigated. Corn oil led to the lowest total free amino acids (FAAs) contents and glucose content of fried bacon (p < 0.05) and rapeseed oil led to the lowest creatine content of fried bacon (p < 0.05). Bacon fried in corn oil had the highest HAA contents (p < 0.05). The total HAA contents of the oils after frying were lowest in rapeseed and soybean oils (p < 0.05). The type of vegetable oil used affected the color of the fried bacon but not the flavor and taste (p < 0.05). To reduce the HAA concentrations of fried bacon, the type of vegetable oil should be considered.

Study on the reduction of heterocyclic amines by marinated natural materials in pork belly

This study was conducted to determine the effect of natural ingredient seasoning on the reduction of heterocyclic amine (HCA) production that may occur when pork belly is cooked at a very high temperature for a long time. Pork belly seasoned with natural ingredients, such as natural spices, blackcurrant, and gochujang, was cooked using the most common cooking methods, such as boiling, pan fry, and barbecue. HCAs in pork belly were extracted through solid-phase extraction and analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography. For short-term toxicity, a mouse model was used to analyze weight, feed intake, organ weight, and length; hematology and serology analysis were also performed. Results revealed that HCAs formed only when heating was performed at a very high temperature for a long time, not under general cooking conditions. Although the toxicity levels were not dangerous, the method showing the relatively highest toxicity among various cooking methods was barbecue, and the natural material with the highest toxicity reduction effect was blackcurrant. Furthermore, seasoning pork belly with natural materials containing a large amount of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can reduce the production of toxic substances, such as HCAs, even if pork belly is heated to high temperatures.

Effect of Traditional Stir-Frying on the Characteristics and Quality of Mutton Sao Zi

The effects of stir-frying stage and time on the formation of Maillard reaction products (MRP) and potentially hazardous substances with time in stir-fried mutton sao zi were investigated. Furosine, fluorescence intensity, Nε-(1-carboxymethyl)-L-lysine (CML), Nε-(1-carboxyethyl)-L-lysine (CEL), polyaromatic hydrocarbons PAHs), heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), and acrylamides (AA) mainly presented were of stir-fried mutton sao zi. The furosine decreased after mixed stir-frying (MSF) 160 s due to its degradation as the Maillard reaction (MR) progressed. The fluorescent compound gradually increased with time during the stir-frying process. The CML and CEL peaked in MSF at 200 s. AA reached its maximum at MSF 120 s and then decreased. All the 5 HAAs were detected after MSF 200 s, suggesting that stir-frying mutton sao zi was at its best before MSF for 200 s. When stir-frying exceeded the optimal processing time of (MSF 160 s) 200 s, the benzo[a]pyrene peaked at 0.82 μg/kg, far lower than the maximum permissible value specified by the Commission of the European Communities. Extended stir-frying promoted MRP and some hazardous substances, but the content of potentially hazardous substances was still within the safety range for food.

Bread Sourdough Lactic Acid Bacteria—Technological, Antimicrobial, Toxin-Degrading, Immune System-, and Faecal Microbiota-Modelling Biological Agents for the Preparation of Food, Nutraceuticals and Feed

This review intends to highlight the fact that bread sourdough is a very promising source of technological, antimicrobial, toxin-degrading, immune system-, and faecal microbiota-modelling biological agents for the preparation of food, nutraceuticals, and feed, which has great potential at industrial biotechnology scale. There are many applications of sourdough lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are the main microorganisms in spontaneous sourdough. In addition to their application as pure technological strains in the food and feed industries, taking into consideration the specific properties of these microorganisms (antimicrobial, antifungal, immuno-, and microbiota-modulating, etc.), they are used as valuable ingredients in higher-value food as well as nutraceutical formulations. Additionally, a very promising application of LAB is their use in combination with plant- and/or animal-based ingredients to increase the functional properties of the whole combination due to different mechanisms of action, as well as desirable symbiotic activity. In addition to traditional foods prepared using sourdough microorganisms (bread, biscuits, meat products, dairy, beverages, etc.), they could find application in the preparation of added-value ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and feed industries. Finally, this mini-review gives a brief introduction to the possible applications of sourdough LAB in the food, feed, and nutraceutical industries.

Review: Pork quality attributes from farm to fork. Part I. Carcass and fresh meat

This work considers all factors along the production chain from farm to fork influencing the quality of fresh pork and processed products. Pork quality is multidimensional and comprises various attributes: commercial value of carcasses, meat organoleptic, nutritional, technological (i.e. suitability for processing and storage) properties, convenience, and societal image. The latter denotes cultural, ethical (including animal welfare) and environmental dimensions related to pork production, including geographical origin, all of which influence societal perceptions for pork. This review covers the impact of production factors, slaughter methods, carcass processing, and post mortem ageing on fresh meat quality. The impact on pork quality from some of these factors are now well documented and clearly established (e.g. genetics and pork technological attributes; diet and lipid profile; preslaughter and slaughter conditions and pork technological or organoleptic attributes…). Gaps in scientific knowledge are also identified, including the need for a better understanding of regulatory pathways for oxidative stress in vivo and post mortem that can contribute to optimise pork organoleptic and nutritional attributes and its suitability for processing and storage. This review highlights the strong interactions between primary production factors on pork quality attributes. Interactions are particularly marked in alternative production systems, in which synergies between factors can lead to specific quality characteristics that can be used to market pork at a premium as branded products. There are also antagonisms between quality attributes, namely between carcass commercial value and pork technological and organoleptic properties, between nutritional attributes and processing and storage suitability of fat tissues, between societal image and pork technological attributes in outdoor production systems, and between societal image (better welfare) and organoleptic attributes (risk for boar taint) in entire male production. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of some specific production factors and their interactions on quality attributes. A holistic approach with the use of multicriteria analyses can help to work out the trade-offs between pork quality attributes and between stakeholders (farmer, slaughterhouse or processing plant, consumers, citizens …) whose priorities may differ.

Heterocyclic amines in cooked meat products, shortcomings during evaluation, factors influencing formation, risk assessment and mitigation strategies

At this point in time, the evidence of a link between well-done meat intake and the incidence of cancer is stronger than it was 20 years ago. Several cohort and case-control studies have confirmed this evidence, and have shown a higher odd ratio and increased exposure to heterocyclic amines (HCAs) among those who frequently consume red meat. However, in most epidemiological studies, dietary assessment, combined with analytical data, is used to estimate the intake of HCAs, which has many inconsistencies. In addition, there is a lack of findings indicating a substantial correlation between various factors, like types of raw meat, types of meat products, and cooking methods that directly or indirectly influence the occurrence of cancer. Although numerous mitigation strategies have been developed to reduce HCAs levels in meat, there is still a high prevalence of carcinogenesis caused by HCAs in humans. The aim of this review is to summarise conflicting reports, address shortcomings and identify emerging trends of cutting-edge research related to HCAs.

The function and mechanism of lactic acid bacteria in the reduction of toxic substances in food: a review

N-nitrosamines, heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, biogenic amines, and acrylamide are widely distributed and some of the most toxic substances detected in foods. Hence, reduction of these substances has attracted worldwide attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculation has been found to be an effective way to reduce these toxic substances. In this paper, the reduction of toxic substances by LAB and its underlying mechanisms have been described through the review of recent studies. LAB aids this reduction via different mechanisms. First, it can directly decrease these harmful substances through adsorption or degradation. Peptidoglycans on the cell wall of LAB can bind to heterocyclic amines, acrylamide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Second, LAB can indirectly decrease the content of toxic substances by reducing their precursors. Third, antioxidant properties of LAB also contribute to the reduction in toxic substances. Finally, LAB can suppress the growth of amino acid decarboxylase-positive bacteria, thus reducing the accumulation of biogenic amines and N-nitrosamines. Therefore, LAB can contribute to the decrease in toxic substances in food and improve food safety. Further research on increasing the reduction efficiency of LAB and deciphering the mechanisms at a molecular level needs to be carried out to obtain the complete picture.

Effects of seasoning on the formation of heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meats: A meta-analysis

Cooking improves digestibility, palatability, and microbiological profile of meats, but can produce compounds with carcinogenic potential, such as heterocyclic amines (HAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It has been shown that the formation of these compounds in meats can be inhibited by spiced marinades, but there is a complexity to check and compare the results of isolated studies with so many variables involved. Thus, this work aimed to review studies that evaluated the effects of spices on the formation of HAs and PAHs in meats according to cooking techniques and spice type. A meta-analysis with a random effect model was conducted using response ratios (R) to identify and summarize previous results and answer the research question. The use of spices before frying (R* = 0.52), grilling (R* = 0.63), or roasting (R* = 0.74) meat, and spicing with garlic and onion (R* = 0.57), pepper (R* = 0.63), and other spices with phenolic compounds (R* = 0.63), decrease the formation of HAs and PAHs, due to the antioxidant and electron transfer capacity. In this article, we discuss how the improvement of culinary techniques with the dissemination of knowledge about meat preparation conditions is an effective strategy for reducing the formation and ingestion of HAs and PAHs; this is important due to the growing evidence about the association between meat consumption and chronic diseases. This is the first systematic review with meta-analysis about this topic and can guide industry, food services, and population to improve the safety associated with meat consumption.

Coupling of Water Activity and Colour Development of Roast Duck Skin under Forced Convection Drying

Roasting meat involves simultaneous heat and mass transfer, colour and flavour development and the formation of hazardous chemicals. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of temperature and time on colour, 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) in roast duck skin during forced hot-air drying at less than 130 °C. The results showed that surface and internal temperatures of duck carcasses increased with drying time, rising to 111.9 and 83.7 °C, respectively. The curves of water activity (aw) and red index (a*) intersected at 50 min because of the decrease in aw and the increase in a* on the skin with drying time. The drastic decline in aw promoted colour development on the duck surface. BaP and carcinogenic HCAs were not detected in hot-air drying ducks, convincing us that the mild cooking method under forced hot-air drying could effectively reduce or eliminate the risk of certain human cancers.

A review of research on plant-based meat alternatives: Driving forces, history, manufacturing, and consumer attitudes

The topic of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has been discussed for several decades, but it has only recently become one of the hottest topics in the food and research communities. With the purpose of investigating the current situation of scientific research on PBMA and determining future research opportunities, the driving forces for PBMA development, a brief history of its progression, key technologies required for production, and the resulting consumer attitudes are summarized. Environmental, human health, and animal welfare concerns are the main factors that have driven the development of PBMA. Although its history can trace back to ancient Asian civilizations, the first generation of PBMA originated in 1960s and a new generation of PBMA designed for carnivore was developed in recently years. Structuring methods such as extrusion and shear cell techniques have been widely studied, but improvements toward the overall appearance and flavor, biological and chemical safety control, as well as the selection of protein sources are also very important for PBMA production. The consumer acceptance of PBMA remains unsatisfactory but is continually improving. Based on those knowledge, future research opportunities include developing more effective strategies for consumer education, providing more scientific evidence for the health properties of PBMA, finding more suitable protein sources to improve the quality of the final products, improving the appearance and flavor, further examining and securing the chemical safety, exploring the structure formation mechanism during the extraction or shearing processes, and developing methods and standards for a quality evaluation of PBMA.

Effects of Cooking Cycle Times of Marinating Juice and Reheating on the Formation of Cholesterol Oxidation Products and Heterocyclic Amines in Marinated Pig Hock

In this work the effects of cooking cycle times of marinating juice and reheating on the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) and heterocyclic amines (HAs) in marinated pig hock were investigated. After the 12th cycle, the total content of COPs was 3.3, 2.0, and 2.0 times higher than that after the 1st cycle in the skin, subcutaneous fat, and lean meat, respectively. The total content of HAs was 5.8, 6.0, and 5.6 times higher than that after the 1st cycle in the skin, subcutaneous fat, and lean meat, respectively. Notably, more COPs were present in the lean meat than in the skin and subcutaneous fat, whereas the content of HAs in the skin was the highest. Compared with the unreheated samples, the total content of COPs and HAs in all tissues increased after reheating at 95 °C for 30 min or at 121 °C for 25 min, but no significant difference was found between different reheating conditions.

Structure characteristics of flavonoids for heterocyclic aromatic amines inhibition using quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling

The objective of this study was to investigate the structure characteristics of flavonoids that act as inhibitors for heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) formation. Five quantitative structure-activity relationship models for predicting the inhibitory rates of HAAs (norharman, harman, PhIP, MeIQx, and 4,8-DiMeIQx) were established using selected chemometric parameters (R² : 0.591-0.920), and indicated that the hydrophobicity, hydroxyl groups, and topological structure of flavonoids played important roles in the inhibition of HAAs formation. The 5,7-dihydroxyls in meta-position of the A-ring and the 4'-hydroxyl in the B-ring of flavonoids were critical for the inhibitory effects of HAAs, whereas the introduction of 3-hydroxyl and 3-O-glucoside in the C-ring reduced the inhibitory effects. Catechin served as the most effective inhibitor of HAAs followed by luteolin and genistein. The study can bring us a broader idea for controlling the formation of HAAs according to the structure of flavonoids. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are a class of organic substances with carcinogenic and mutagenic effect formed during the heating process of meat products. The formation of HAAs can be inhibited by adding natural antioxidants such as flavonoids to the meat during pretreatment. This inhibition is influenced by the unique structure of flavonoids. Thus, there has been an increasing demand to exploit the effective HAAs inhibitors from flavonoids by structure characteristics. Our study showed that the inhibitory effect of flavonoids on the formation of HAAs was mainly depended on their hydrophobicity, hydroxyl groups, and topological structure using the multiple QSAR models. Thus, effective HAAs inhibitors can be explored from dietary flavonoids according their structure characteristics.

Effects of smoke flavoring using different wood chips and barbecuing on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic aromatic amines in salmon fillets

Herein, the concentrations of food toxicants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), in salmon fillets smoke flavored with different smoking wood chips (oak, apple, bourbon soaked oak, cherry and hickory) and barbecuing were determined. Benzo[a]anthracene (up to 0.24 ng/g) and chrysene (0.22 ng/g) were determined in the raw salmon fillets. While ∑PAH8 (benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) in the raw samples ranged between 0.44 and 0.46 ng/g, smoke flavoring increased the amount of ∑PAH8 and the amount varied between 0.47 and 0.73 ng/g. Salmon smoked flavored with bourbon soaked oak, cherry and hickory wood chips and barbecued showed significantly (P <0.05) lower contents of ∑PAH4 (benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene) and ∑PAH8 compared to non-smoke flavored barbecued samples. Additionally, smoke flavoring with apple, bourbon soaked oak, and cherry wood chips significantly (P <0.05) reduced the total HAA contents in barbecued salmon. A remarkable result was that the bourbon-soaked oak and cherry wood chips had inhibitory effects on both PAH and HAA contents. In sum, barbecued non-smoke flavored and smoke flavored salmon with different wood chips could be considered safe from the perspective of the detected amounts of PAHs and HAAs in salmon fillets.

Occurrence of Heterocyclic Amines in Commercial Fast-Food Meat Products Available on the Chinese Market and Assessment of Human Exposure to these Compounds

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) have been identified as highly mutagenic and are risk factors for human cancer. In recent years, the intake of fast-food meat products has increased exponentially due to their convenience. Therefore, it is important to assess the health risks of HCAs and provide useful public dietary guidelines. Eight fast-food meat products were selected from the Chinese market, including chicken, beef, and fish, to evaluate their health risk in conjunction with HCAs. Crispy chicken drumsticks contained the maximum level of total HCAs (24.18 ± 3.57 ng/g), followed by crispy fried chicken burgers (19.99 ± 1.41 ng/g) and traditional Chinese nuggets (19.17 ± 1.23 ng/g), whereas shrimp cake burgers had the lowest levels (13.17 ± 1.77 ng/g). Crispy chicken drumsticks (men: 169.12 ng/day, women: 108.70 ng/day), hot chicken wings (men: 126.32 ng/day, women: 142.11 ng/day), and crispy fried chicken burgers (men: 129.78 ng/day, women: 59.91 ng/day) were found to provide the highest dietary intake of HCAs in both genders, which may lead to an increase in colorectal and breast cancers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The rapid expansion of the Chinese fast-food industry has promoted serious health problems, such as colorectal cancer and some cardiovascular diseases. Several epidemiological studies revealed that a high intake of processed meats may increase the risk of cancer in humans because cooking food proteins, such as meat, at high temperatures could produce high levels of carcinogenic compounds, such as HCAs. Because of the vast variation in eating habits, preparation methods and the frequency of meat consumption, it is important to evaluate the accurate level of HCAs in commercially available fast-food meat products with the aim to clarify the association between processed meats and the health risk.

Ruminant meat flavor influenced by different factors with special reference to fatty acids

Ruminant meat flavor is an important quality and sensory parameter which relays mainly on the organoleptic characteristics of meat. Meat flavor is vital factor for the palatability and acceptability of meat by the consumers. There are various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence eating quality of meat. Among these factors, flavor is the major contributor. Fat and low-molecular-weight water-soluble compounds are the most important precursor components in meat, responsible for the meat flavor. The present review focus on the different pre and post-harvest factors that influences the ruminant meat flavor. Raw meat has little flavor but cooking adds value in flavor due to different temperature and cooking methods. The volatile flavoring compounds which are responsible for cooked meat flavor are produced thermally by the Maillard's reaction itself or interaction with lipid oxidation products and vitamin degradation. In nutshell, this review provides perception into previous literature on flavor that affected by various factors particularly the fatty acids and cooking methods.

Unraveling the inhibitory effect of dihydromyricetin on heterocyclic aromatic amines formation

BACKGROUND

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are mutagens and rodent carcinogens. Flavonoids have attracted considerable attention for development into effective inhibitors against the formation of genotoxic HAAs in thermally processed foods.

RESULTS

The inhibitory effect of dihydromyricetin (DMY) on the formation of key HAAs, including 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]-quinoxaline (MeIQx), and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx), was significant. In chemical models, DMY (0.05 mmol, 0.1 mmol, and 0.2 mmol) significantly decreased the amount of PhIP formed (43.0%, 54.7%, and 75.7% respectively). A significant inhibitory effect on the formation of MeIQx and 4,8-DiMeIQx was also observed. Moreover, DMY (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) reduced the generation of PhIP (by 48.0%, 59.0%, and 80.1% respectively) and that of MeIQx (by 45.8%, 62.0%, and 76.7% respectively) in fried beef patties.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that DMY could be converted into myricetin during thermal processing, and both DMY and myricetin could trap phenylacetaldehyde, a major Strecker aldehyde of phenylalanine, in a similar manner to thus inhibit the generation of PhIP. This study provides valuable information for the development of effective strategies to minimize HAA content in thermally processed foods and also sheds light on the mechanism that accounts for the inhibitory effect. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Domestic Cooking of Muscle Foods: Impact on Composition of Nutrients and Contaminants

Meat and fish are muscle foods rich in valuable nutrients, such as high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and, in the case of fish, also unsaturated fatty acids. The escalation of meat and fish production has increased the occurrence of pesticide and antibiotic residues, as result of pest control on feed crops, and antibiotics used to fight infections in animals. Meat and fish are usually cooked to enrich taste, soften texture, increase safety, and improve nutrient digestibility. However, the impact of cooking on nutritional properties and formation of deleterious compounds must be understood. This review summarizes studies, published in the last decade, that have focused on how domestic cooking affects: (i) composition of nutrients (protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals); (ii) antibiotic and pesticide residue contents; and (iii) the formation of cooking-induced contaminants (heterocyclic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and thermal degradation products of antibiotics and pesticides). Cooking affects the nutritional composition of meat and fish; frying is the cooking method that causes the greatest impact. Cooking may reduce the pesticide and antibiotic residues present in contaminated raw meat and fish; however, it may result in the formation of degradation products of unknown identity and toxicity. Control of cooking time and temperature, use of antioxidant-rich marinades, and avoiding the dripping of fat during charcoal grilling can reduce the formation of cooking-induced contaminants.

Inhibitory effects of catechins on β-carbolines in tea leaves and chemical model systems

The profile of 18 heterocyclic amines from seven categories (including β-carbolines) in tea leaves during green and black tea processing procedures, as well as commercial tea products was screened by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Chitosan Film Containing an Iron Complex: Synthesis and Prospects for Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines (HAAs) Recognition

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials have been seen as a promising approach to produce sensors for the detection and/or recognition of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). This work shows the synthesis of a hybrid film as a result of the incorporation of [Fe(CN)₅(NH₃)]^3- into chitosan (CS); CS-[(CN)₅Fe(NH₃)]^3-. The sensitivity of CS-[(CN)₅Fe(NH₃)]^3- toward HAA-like species was evaluated by using pyrazine (pz) as probe molecule in vapor phase by means of electrochemistry and spectroscopic techniques. The crystallinity (SEM-EDS and XRD) decrease of CS-[(CN)₅Fe(NH₃)]^3- in comparison to CS was assigned to the disturbance of the hydrogen bond network within the polymer. Such conclusion was reinforced by the water contact angle measurements. The results presented in this work indicate physical and intermolecular interactions, mostly hydrogen bond, between [Fe(CN)₅(NH₃)]^3- and CS, where the complex is likely trapped in the polymer with its sixth coordination site available for substitution reactions.

Mitigation strategies of acrylamide, furans, heterocyclic amines and browning during the Maillard reaction in foods

The Maillard reaction (MR) occurs widely during food manufacture and storage, through controlled or uncontrolled pathways. Its consequences are ambiguous depending on the nature and processing of the food products. The MR is often used by food manufacturer to develop appealing aromas, colour or texture in food products (cereal based food, coffee, meat…). However, despite some positive aspects, the MR could decrease the nutritional value of food, generate potentially harmful compounds (e.g. acrylamide, furans, heterocyclic amines) or modify aroma or colour although it is not desired (milk, fruit juice). This paper presents a review of the different solutions available to control or moderate the MR in various food products from preventive to removal methods. A brief reminder of the role and influence of the MR on food quality and safety is also provided.