Assuming that only the VNAs are of toxicological relevance,
there may still be reason to be concerned about the occurrence of
NA in processed meats, even though the present study indicates
that the NA exposure from processed meat on the Danish market
is of low concern based on the estimated MOE. Firstly, the population
is also exposed to NA from sources other than processed
meat. Exposure data from sources other than processed meat are
needed in order to make a complete risk assessment for the population.
Secondly, as mentioned earlier, the carcinogenic potential
of the majority of the NVNAs is unknown or only very limited
information is available. These NVNAs can occur in much higher
concentrations than the VNAs and in order to fully assess the risk
of NA exposure from processed meat products further toxicological
studies are needed on NVNAs. Thirdly, other unidentified
carcinogenic NAs might be produced when the conditions allow
for the formation of the known NA.