Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are an important class of food mutagens and carcinogens produced in meats cooked at high temperature. The formation of HAAs in pork floss during processing and the effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on HAAs formation in pork floss were studied. Pork floss was prepared by steaming of raw pork, followed by pressing, tearing, adding various additives, and then the cooked pork was subjected to stir frying. The various HAAs in pork floss were isolated by solid phase extraction and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that the type and level of HAAs increased with increasing processing temperature. Up to seven HAAs, 9H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indole (Norharman), 1‐methyl‐9H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indole (Harman), 2‐amino‐1‐ methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐f]pyridine (PhIP), 2‐amino‐dipyrido[1,2‐a: 3′,2′‐d]imidazole (Glu‐P‐2), 3‐amino‐1‐methyl‐5H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indole (Trp‐P‐2), 2‐amino‐9H‐pyrido[2,3‐b]indole (AaC) and 2‐amino‐3‐methyl‐9H‐pyrido[2,3‐b]indole (MeAaC) were detected in pork floss when stir fried at 150C. Color development increased with cooking temperatures, and was correlated with HAAs formation. The addition of vitamin C at various levels was not effective toward HAAs inhibition. However, the incorporation of 0.1% vitamin E reduced Norharman, PhIP, AaC and MeAaC concentrations in the pork floss.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
The formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) is one of the most unfavorable changes during the cooking of food. Since the connection between the consumption of dietary carcinogens and cancer risks in human has been established, interest in this matter has been growing. However, the processing methods and conditions of Chinese traditional food are different from Western, and to date, little is known about HAAs content in the traditional meat products of China. The information derived from this study serves as an essential base of knowledge from a public health standpoint, and contributes to a repository of HAAs information relevant to Chinese cooking; it also can provide clues to understanding the factors that affect HAAs formation and can indicate means of reducing or eliminating these compounds.
