Heterocyclic amines formation and mitigation in processed meat and meat products: a review

This review assesses heterocyclic amines (HCAs) formation and mitigation in processed meat and meat products. HCAs are formed when amino acids react with creatine during thermal processing of meat and meat products. The formation of HCAs depends on various factors, including the temperature and cooking time, fat contents, and the presence of HCA precursors, such as water, and lipids, meat marinating. Additional factors that could promote HCA formation are pH, meat type and ingredients added during cooking such as antioxidants, amino acids, ions, fat, and sugars that help in the production of HCAs. 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3,8 dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx), IQ, and MeIQ are HCAs of importance because of their link to cancer in humans. Over 25 different HCAs have been identified in processed food up to date. Out of this nine of the HCAs belong to possible carcinogens (group 2B) while one is grouped as a probable carcinogen (group 2A) in humans. To mitigate HCA generation during heat processing, different techniques have been used which include multiple recipes, adjustments of thermal processing conditions, the use of flavourings in case of meat, pre-treatments like microwave application, as well as application of antioxidants whether natural occurring and artificial ones.